Syracuse, OCC to use federal funding for student retention, support services

Syracuse University (SU) and Onondaga Community College (OCC) will use federal funding to provide support services that increase student retention and graduation rates.

The money targets low-income people, first-generation college students, and individuals with disabilities, the office of U.S. Representative John Katko (R–Camillus) said in a Thursday news release.

SU will use a grant of nearly $412,000 and OCC will receive a grant of nearly $262,000.

The funds are available through the U.S. Department of Education’s Student Support Services Program. SU and OCC will use the awards to provide underserved students with tutoring and academic support, as well as counseling services to boost financial and economic literacy.

The Student Support Services Program is one of eight programs administered under the department’s TRIO programs. TRIO provides important support to low-income individuals, first-generation college students, and individuals with disabilities as they progress through the academic pipeline from middle school to post baccalaureate programs.

CNYBJ file photos by Eric Reinhardt