Two programs at Washington State University (WSU) Tri-Cities that support students who are the first in their families to attend college, from limited income backgrounds or have disabilities have secured federal funding for another five years. 

Known as TRIO for their original three programs, WSU will receive $8.2 million to provide services to more than 800 students across the WSU system, according to a release.  

The programs are designed to help students build connections at their institution and guide them toward existing resources and partnerships for support. The university has found that participants have higher retention rates, greater academic achievement and increased career readiness following graduation. 

WSU Tri-Cities has seen similar success in both its regular and STEM-focused SSS programs. Alondra Castaneda, director of TRIO programs at WSU Tri-Cities and a former TRIO scholar herself, said the programs foster a strong sense of motivation and leadership. 

“We see our students constantly getting excited about learning, both inside and outside the classroom,” said Alondra Castaneda, director of TRIO programs at WSU Tri-Cities, in a statement. “At WSU Tri-Cities, over two-thirds of our TRIO scholars are making an impact as leaders, whether in student government, through campus initiatives, or in the community with opportunities such as internships at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory.”