Press Releases

Birmingham, AL - Today, Rep. Terri Sewell (AL-07) announced $1,100,000 in TRIO Grant funding for the University of Alabama at Birmingham from the United States Department of Education. This funding is a part of the TRIO Educational Opportunity Center (EOC) program, designed to provide students from disadvantaged backgrounds with opportunities for academic development as they seek higher education. 

“I am thrilled to announce this round of TRIO Grant funding for the University of Alabama at Birmingham!” said Rep. Sewell. “This funding is instrumental in our continued efforts to expand access to higher education to our most underserved communities by providing the resources necessary for them to achieve their academic goals. I know firsthand the transformative power of a good education and remain committed to supporting these types of programs to ensure that the residents of my district have the tools they need to thrive.” 

Background:

The Educational Opportunity Centers program provides counseling and information on college admissions to qualified adults who want to enter or continue a program of postsecondary education. The program also provides services to improve the financial and economic literacy of participants. An important objective of the program is to counsel participants on financial aid options, including basic financial planning skills, and to assist in the application process. The goal of the EOC program is to increase the number of adult participants who enroll in postsecondary educational institutions.

Working closely with community partners, TRIO EOC program will annually serve 850 first-generation students, limited-income adults, as well as veterans in Jefferson County. The new EOC is designed to assist adult learners in re-entering the education pipeline by offering GED counseling, providing financial assistance with the test, guiding eligible individuals through the college enrollment process including admissions, financial aid applications, preparing for placement exams and registering for courses. All services are free. 

“As the Principal Investigator for this grant, I’m so excited that UAB gets to be a community partner to assist our adult learners,” said Dr. Tracy Lyons, Executive Director of Undergraduate Student Success and Retention at UAB. “This program is ideal for individuals who may have dropped out of school or those seeking new and different skills that come with a college certificate or degree.”