WASHINGTON, D.C. — Thirteen Maine colleges and universities have been awarded a total of $5,082,580 through the U.S. Department of Education’s Student Support Services Program, according to a news release. 

The Student Support Services Program (SSS) is a federally-funded TRIO program that helps institutions of higher education provide opportunities for academic development, assist students with basic college requirements, and guide students toward the successful completion of their postsecondary educations.

The TRIO programs provide assistance to more than 7,400 low-income and first-generation college students throughout Maine, the release noted.

“This funding will help to ensure that Maine’s colleges and universities have the resources they need to continue to help students graduate and reach their career goals, particularly amid the COVID-19 pandemic,” the release stated.

The funding has been awarded as follows:

Central Maine Community College: $596,999

Kennebec Valley Community College: $338,972

Eastern Maine Community College: $261,888

University of Maine at Fort Kent: $343,051

Northern Maine Community College: $294,722

Southern Maine Community College: $523,776

Thomas College: $259,491

University of Maine at Augusta: $544,741

University of Maine at Presque Isle: $358,735

University of Maine Farmington: $338,971

University of Maine at Orono: $668,084

University of Southern Maine : $261,888

Washington County Community College: $291,262