Garden City, NY - October 29, 2015 - U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $1,887,950 in federal funding over the next five years for Nassau Community College. This funding was allocated through the U.S. Department of Education’s TRIO Student Support Services program. Nassau Community College will use the grant to provide academic support services to over 450 students with disabilities. The installment for the first budget period Is $377,588.

Nassau Community College will provide students with disabilities personal academic advisement, career counseling, disability advocacy, financial advisement, and additional assistance with reading, math and writing.

“There is no better federal investment than one that helps students succeed, and that’s why this five-year Department of Education grant is so important to Nassau Community College,” said Senator Schumer. “Nassau Community College’s TRiO Student Support Services program will provide academic resources to some of our most vulnerable students to increase graduation rates. Investing in students now is a wise investment for the future, and I am pleased that that the U.S. Department of Education has awarded Nassau Community College this funding.”

“This investment through the TRIO Support Services program will help Nassau Community College in delivering additional educational opportunities and resources for students who need it most,” said Senator Gillibrand. “Through comprehensive programs, Nassau Community College will help our students get the foundation they need to graduate, continue their education, get good jobs and have successful careers.”

“With our TRIO Project, Nassau Community College intends to identify and provide specific academic services to students with disabilities. Students with disabilities are an underrepresented and marginalized population that has a history of experiencing limited capabilities when participating in the post-secondary educational experience,” said Catherine Vanek, MS, Nassau Community College Student Personnel Services TRIO Grant Director. “Our TRIO counselors utilize a proven paradigm of Encouragement, Mentoring and Monitoring to provide an opportunity that leads to graduation and transfer to a four-year college at a much higher rate than their peers across the nation.”

Federal funding through the Student Support Services Program is awarded to institutions of higher education to provide opportunities for academic development, assist students with basic college requirements, and to motivate students toward the successful completion of their postsecondary education.