NH Delegation Announces More Than $1.3 Million for Student Support Services at UNH, Keene State and Plymouth State
(Manchester, NH) – Today, U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, and U.S. Senator Maggie Hassan (D-NH) and Representatives Annie Kuster (NH-02) and Chris Pappas (NH-01) announced the award of $1,364,423 in federal funding to the University of New Hampshire (UNH), Keene State College (KSC) and Plymouth State University (PSU) to bolster and expand vital student support services. UNH, KSC and PSU will receive $379,979, $364,948 and $357,608 for the TRIO Student Support Services program, which serves low-income and potential first-generation college students in higher education. In addition, KSC will receive a $261,888 award to fund a new pilot program that will serve 120 first-generation, low-income students and students with disabilities who have a need for academic support and are pursuing a STEM degree.
“Student support services are crucial in helping low-income and potential first-generation college students succeed in higher education, especially now as young people grapple with the difficulties posed to their education by the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Senator Shaheen. “That’s why I’m glad to see these federal funds be awarded to bolster TRIO Student Support Services programs at the University of New Hampshire, Keene State College and Plymouth State University, which will help hundreds of Granite State students prepare for and succeed in college. I’m also pleased to see Keene State receive funding for its new, innovative support program for STEM students, which will help ensure they are able to get the support they need to achieve their dreams in school and secure a good paying job after they graduate.”
“I am pleased that the University of New Hampshire, Keene State College, and Plymouth State University have received this critical federal funding to support low-income and first-generation students, as well as students with disabilities, who too often face tremendous challenges in their educational careers,” Senator Hassan said. “The COVID-19 pandemic has created unprecedented challenges for students, making it more important than ever that federal dollars be made available to ensure that all students can get the support that they need to learn and grow.”
“This federal funding will enable the University of New Hampshire, Keene State College, and Plymouth State University to provide crucial support and lessen the barriers that many low-income, first-generation, and disabled students face,” said Congresswoman Kuster. “The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated challenges that so many students face when it comes to receiving a high-quality education, and this funding will help to ensure that these students are able to continue their education and have the opportunities they deserve. I’ll keep working to ensure all Granite Staters have the resources and support they need to thrive and live up to their full potential.”
“Ensuring that all our students have the resources they need to excel in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics is essential if we want to maintain a competitive workforce and be prepared to solve the biggest issues of tomorrow,” said Congressman Pappas. “These federal dollars will provide our schools with support to ensure these fields becomes accessible to all of our hard working and dedicated students.”
“The renewal of the TRIO Student Support Services programs at UNH, PSU and KSC will help to ensure students with high financial support needs, first-generation students and students with disabilities will continue to receive the world class services that have helped them to successfully navigate the rigors of the residential collegiate experience. I am particularly proud that all three of our residential campuses were recognized by the Department for fully meeting program objectives over the last five years. This dedication helps to explain the incredible success of our TRIO graduates, many of whom have gone on to receive national and international scholar awards and fellowships,” said Todd Leach, Chancellor of the University System of New Hampshire.
Chancellor Leach continued, “Particularly this year, as our campuses prepare to open in the midst of the pandemic, the services provided by our TRIO offices will be critical to assisting our students with navigating these unprecedented times. We are grateful for the continued support of the Congressional delegation which has helped to secure this funding that will open doors for hundreds of students over the next five years.”
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