Southern Maine Community College (SMCC) has been awarded $544,728 in continued federal TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) funding from the U.S. Department of Education for the 2025-2026 fiscal year. The grant enables SMCC to continue its longstanding support for first-generation students, those from low-income households, and students with disabilities, thereby helping them succeed in college and beyond. The award is part of an anticipated five-year funding cycle totaling over $2.7 million through 2030. 

This award marks the continuation of 10 years of TRIO services at SMCC. Since receiving its first TRIO SSS grant in 2015, the College has served more than 800 students. Today, two TRIO grants serve up to 240 SMCC students annually through individualized academic coaching, tutoring, financial aid support, mentoring, and transfer and career guidance. 

 "TRIO is more than just a support program; it's a community," Katharine Lualdi, SMCC's Director of TRIO Student Support Services, said. "Our students are navigating real challenges, and TRIO helps ensure they don't have to do it alone. The impact is not just academic, it's transformational in their lives."  

That transformation is reflected in recent student success data. In 2023-2024:  

• 87% of SMCC TRIO students persisted from fall to fall  
• 77% of SMCC TRIO students were in good academic standing  
• 54% of SMCC TRIO students graduated or graduated and transferred to a four-year institution  

An example of the vital role that TRIO plays can be exemplified in SMCC's 2024 Student of the Year, Bea Martin.

"I wasn't sure if (going to college would) be worth it, but I figured I might as well go for it, and it's been a total game changer," Martin said." (TRIO staff members) are so supportive. Having someone who's easy to talk to about college, especially since my parents weren't able to help with the process, made it all feel so much more manageable. It would have been a lot more challenging for me if I didn't have TRIO support."  

SMCC's TRIO program is currently home to Maine's only TRIO grant dedicated exclusively to students with disabilities.

 "We are proud to continue supporting this critical work that expands opportunity for students who have traditionally faced systemic barriers to higher education," SMCC President Kristen Miller said. "When we invest in students, we invest in the future of our community." 

 For more information about TRIO Student Support Services at SMCC, visit www.smccME.edu or contact smcctriosss@mainecc.edu.  

About the Federal TRIO Programs  

TRIO programs, authorized under the Higher Education Act of 1965, include Talent Search, Upward Bound, Student Support Services, and others. These programs help students overcome academic, economic, and social barriers to higher education through academic support, college and career counseling, and financial aid guidance. Millions of students nationwide have achieved their college goals with TRIO's support.