August 18, 2021 3:20 a.m.

Umpqua Community College recently received a $2.5 million TRIO grant from the U.S. Department of Education, which will allow more middle and high school students from disadvantaged backgrounds to attend college and succeed in graduation.

A release said the grant is part of a Talent Search program and is considered for renewal every five years. It enables UCC to provide low-income and first-generation students with expanded academic tutoring and advising opportunities. In addition, it will help enable more students to enroll and graduate from a college of their choice by providing college test preparation, admission and financial aid assistance along with career counseling.

Assistant Vice President of Student Services Missy Olson said, “We are happy to be able to continue to increase the number of first-generation and low-income students that will have the opportunity to attend college, stay in college, earn a degree and succeed with a future career”.

The release said in Douglas County, 590 low-income students or those who would be the first generation in their families to attend college, can apply to be part of the program. High schools included in the program include Roseburg, Sutherlin, Douglas, South Umpqua, Glide and Riddle. Middle schools include Fremont, Winston, Coffenberry, Sutherlin, Glide and Riddle.

To schedule a visit to UCC to learn more, call 440-4606.