The University of North Texas has been awarded a $2.1 million TRIO Student Support Services grant from the U.S. Department of Education to strengthen academic success for undergraduate students.

The five-year award, covering the 2025-2030 program cycle, will expand UNT’s long-standing commitment to supporting students as they work toward graduation and career readiness, from first-generation and low-income students to students with disabilities.

Part of eight federally funded TRIO programs established under the Higher Education Act of 1965, this program helps students navigate academic challenges, overcome barriers and persist to degree completion. Since its creation in 1968, the program has empowered millions of students nationwide to graduate college and make lasting contributions to their communities and the U.S. economy.

At UNT, TRIO SSS provides a comprehensive support system designed to improve retention and graduation outcomes. Students benefit from:

  • Academic advising and personalized coaching
  • Financial aid and scholarship guidance
  • Tutoring and academic support
  • Career exploration and graduate school preparation

In 2023-2024, UNT’s SSS program achieved a 99% persistence rate, 96% good academic standing and 78% bachelor’s degree attainment, all of which exceeded federal performance standards for continued funding.

New Opportunities for UNT Students

As part of this renewed grant cycle, UNT SSS is authorized to launch the TRIO Student Success Award, a new student grant aid initiative. This funding will provide direct financial assistance to eligible participants, supplementing existing services and further strengthening student retention and graduation outcomes.

“Guided by our core values of achievement, commitment and excellence, TRIO SSS continues to help UNT students not only persist but thrive,” says director Detra Craig. “The addition of the Student Success Award allows us to expand our support and provide another layer of stability for students balancing financial pressures with their academic goals.”

A 40-Year Legacy of Impact

Since its establishment at UNT in 1984, TRIO SSS has served thousands of students and recently celebrated 40 years of service to the UNT community. The program has become a cornerstone of UNT’s broader Student Success Initiative, which is dedicated to preparing career-ready graduates who will flourish in an ever-changing workforce.

Students who qualify must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents who meet at least one of the following requirements:

  • First-generation (neither parent/guardian has earned a bachelor’s degree)
  • Low-income (family income at or below 150% of the federal poverty level)
  • Documented disability, verified through UNT’s Office of Disability Access

Looking Ahead

The TRIO SSS team is eager to continue building collaborations with campus partners while creating new opportunities for student engagement.

TRIO SSS is more than just a program — it’s a community of support and encouragement.  This grant ensures that UNT can continue to break down barriers for students and set them on a path toward lifelong achievement.

For more information about TRIO Student Support Services at UNT, visit studentaffairs.unt.edu/trio/sss or email triosss@unt.edu.