Biola University has been awarded a $1.36 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education to increase accessibility to support services for students who are first-generation, come from low-income backgrounds and/or students with disabilities.

The five-year federal grant will fund the TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) program at Biola, which aims to strengthen student success and retention. This marks the first time Biola has received this grant. Nearly half of Biola’s underƹƵ students — about 49% — meet TRIO eligibility criteria, underscoring the university’s continued commitment to broadening access and support for underserved students.

“We are excited to receive this grant and so glad to bring this effective program to Biola,” said Associate Vice President of Student Success, Tiffany Lee. “The grant allows Biola to serve more students during their time as a student and help them persist and complete their degree on time.”

With applications opening in Spring 2026, Biola’s TRIO SSS program is set to start in March 2026. TRIO SSS will accept up to 140 underƹƵ students each year, providing individualized success plans and bi-weekly coaching with their success advisor. The program will offer an exclusive series of financial literacy workshops covering budgeting, credit management, and planning for internships and ƹƵ school. Eligible students in the program will also receive access to need-based scholarships, expanded tutoring, laptop lending, meal cards and graduation regalia support.

In 2025, nearly 870,000 first-generation and low-income students across the nation were served through 3,400 TRIO programs. These programs are designed to help students overcome the unique challenges that can hinder college success. According to the Council for Opportunity in Education (COE), a 2019 U.S. Department of Education study found that students who participated in TRIO Student Support Services were 18% more likely to earn a bachelor’s degree.

Biola is currently recruiting a to lead the TRIO SSS program. Qualified candidates with a master’s degree in a related field and leadership experience in higher education and TRIO programs are encouraged to apply.

The TRIO SSS program will be part of Biola’s Division of Student Success. Student Success exists to empower all students to thrive academically and vocationally through academic advising, career development and study abroad opportunities.

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Written by Katelin Lee, communication manager. For more information, email media.relations@biola.edu.