Georgian Court Gains $1.7M Grant To Help Needy Students

LAKEWOOD, NJ — Georgian Court University has received a grant for more than $1.69 million over the next five years to help first-generation, low-income, and students with disabilities succeed in college and graduate.

The grant is for the TRIO-Student Support Services program, and Georgian Court has received the grant for 40 years. It is a result of the Higher Education Act of 1965.

"TRIO-SSS is a vital program that provides academic and financial assistance for our eligible students, many of whom are the first in their family to attend college," said President Joseph R. Marbach, Ph.D. "TRIO–SSS is needed now, more than ever, as many of our students and their families are suffering additional hardships from the unprecedented coronavirus pandemic."

The program provides an array of services to 160 qualifying students each year, including academic tutoring, basic skills instruction, academic coaching, graduate school counseling, financial literacy training, cultural enrichment opportunities, and limited financial assistance for students with demonstrated need.

As part of its mission, Georgian Court devotes significant academic and financial resources to its student population, many of whom are the first in their family to attend college. As much as 40 percent of the college's undergraduate students are the first in their family to attend college; 43 percent are Pell grant recipients.

"TRIO–SSS provides critical academic support and life skills training to help our students thrive during their time at GCU and after graduation," Provost Janice Warner said.

"We have seen firsthand the positive impact TRIO has on the lives of our students," said Danielle Staten Lamb, who directs the program for Georgian Court. "We are grateful for the opportunity to serve our TRIO scholars and promote the importance of college access and success."

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