Spoon River College has been awarded a federal TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) grant totaling $272,364 from the U.S. Department of Education to improve college retention and graduation rates among low-income, first-generation students, and students with disabilities.
This award marks the continuation of 15 years of Spoon River College providing this program to help students stay in school, earn degrees, and build meaningful careers.
“We have served more than 1200 students since we began this program in 2010, and are excited to be awarded this generous grant that will allow us to deepen our commitment to ensuring that all students—regardless of background—can thrive academically and personally,” said Jill Olson, TRIO director at SRC for the past 12 years. “It helps level the playing field and equips our students with the resources and confidence to earn a degree and better their lives.”
Spoon River College is currently recruiting for the 2025-26 cohort of students. Those accepted to the program will have access to a wide variety of services and resources, such as peer and professional tutors, personalized advising, social opportunities, exclusive scholarship program, assistance with financial aid and much more. Individuals that are currently enrolled in SRC courses for fall semester are encouraged to complete the online application to confirm eligibility for program services. For more information about the TRIO program visit TRIO information page and apply for TRIO program.
Nationally, the SSS program has a proven track record, making a difference for nearly a million students each year. According to a 2019 evaluation by the U.S. Department of Education, students in SSS at two-year institutions were 48% more likely to earn an associate’s degree or transfer to a four-year school, and students at four-year institutions were 18% more likely to earn a bachelor’s degree compared to similar peers not in the program.
Spoon River College is a two-year, public community college in West Central Illinois, with campuses and Community Outreach Centers in Canton and Macomb, and Learning Centers in Havana and Rushville offering both transfer and career workforce education.