Western Iowa Tech Community College (WITCC) has been awarded renewed federal funding from the U.S. Department of Education to continue its TRIO Student Support Services (TRIO-SSS) programs at the Sioux City campus and across its Cherokee and Denison campuses. The college has been renewed for two separate five-year grants totaling more than $3.1 million: one for Sioux City and one combined grant serving both Cherokee and Denison. The Sioux City grant totals $1,742,295 and supports 175 students annually. The Cherokee and Denison grant totals $1,361,820 and serves 140 students each year across the two campuses. These funds allow WITCC to continue offering personalized support to students who are first-generation, income-eligible, or have a documented disability.
TRIO-SSS provides a wide range of academic and personal support services tailored to help eligible students persist, succeed, and graduate. These services include one-on-one academic advising, tutoring, mentoring, course selection assistance, financial aid navigation, and transfer planning. The program also offers workshops on study skills, financial literacy, and career readiness, along with opportunities for leadership development and cultural enrichment.
The TRIO-SSS program at WITCC began in 1997 to serve students on the Sioux City campus. In response to the growing need on other campuses, the college secured a second grant in 2010 to expand services to Denison and Cherokee. Together, the programs now support 315 students annually.
"TRIO is about building relationships and removing barriers," said Alejandra Flores, Director of TRIO-SSS at WIT Sioux City Campus. "We're grateful to continue this work and proud to walk alongside students as they grow, overcome challenges, and work toward goals that can change the trajectory of their lives."
TRIO Student Support Services is one of eight federally funded TRIO programs aimed at increasing college access and success for underrepresented populations. In addition to TRIO-SSS, WITCC also hosts two additional TRIO programs:
• TRIO Upward Bound, which supports high school students through academic year and summer programming focused on college preparation.
• TRIO Educational Talent Search, which provides college and career planning support to middle and high school students in the region.
While both TRIO Upward Bound and Educational Talent Search have already been approved for their current five-year grants, they are awaiting annual continuation award notifications for the upcoming year. These programs remain essential to WITCC's regional college access efforts, serving middle and high school students through academic advising, college preparation, and future planning.
"These programs create real impact for students who might not otherwise see college as part of their future," said Katherine Lehmann, Director of Talent Search and Upward Bound. "When we meet students early and build consistent relationships over time, we help them believe in what's possible. TRIO changes lives, and I've seen it happen again and again."
"TRIO programs create life-changing opportunities for students across our region - from middle school through college," said Revathi Vongsiprasom, Dean of Opportunity and Engagement. "These services help close gaps in access and support, and we are committed to sustaining them so every student has a path to success."
This grant renewal underscores the impact of TRIO at WITCC and the dedication of staff who provide individualized support that makes a difference in students' lives.
Western Iowa Tech Community College is committed to providing accessible, affordable education and support services to help every student succeed.
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For additional information about TRIO, contact:
Alejandra Flores | Director of TRIO Student Support Services, Sioux City
Alejandra.Flores@witcc.edu | 712-317-3477
Sara Klatt | Director or TRIO Student Support Services, Denison and Cherokee
Sara.Klatt@witcc.edu | 712-317-3368
Katherine Lehmann | Director of TRIO Talent Search and Upward Bound, Sioux City
Katherinne.Lehmann@witcc.edu | 712-317-3259