UF is getting a new student support service program this February.
UF’s Office of Academic Support received a $1.1 million grant from TRiO Student Support Service. The new support service will help low-income, first-generation and disabled students complete their undergraduate degrees, said Angeleah Browdy, the OAS director.
The TRiO SSS grant aims to increase college retention and graduation rates among undergraduate students, Browdy said.
The 5-year grant will fund 140 eligible UF students and provide academic advising, career counseling, scholarships, student travel funds, a free textbook resource library, printing services and personal development, she said.
“This grant will be a great help to students who want to excel in their academic program and further their education,” Browdy said. “Students have to learn to be resourceful.”
The program will also help grant recipients apply to graduate and professional school, she said. Students can meet with counselors and get free tutoring as well.
Kevin Reeves, the OAS assistant director, said he is excited about the new opportunities the program will bring to the office.
“The opportunity to get additional students to receive the support services offered through the Office of Academic Support will allow us to help a higher number of them,” he said.
Gabriela Pedrido, a UF linguistics sophomore, said she applied to the program to receive academic support.
“My GPA has suffered a bit due to pre-med, and I would like to get it back to a good standing,” the 19-year-old said.
