Miles College Awarded $1.3 Million Grant

FAIRFIELD, AL — Miles College has been awarded a TRIO Grant in the amount of $1.3 million over a five-year period from the U.S. Department of Education. Eligible students will receive dedicated advising, mentoring, and tutoring and will be engaged in retention-based services designed to increase graduation and persistence rates.

The award is one of only four new TRIO Student Support Services programs in Alabama.

"This multi-year grant provides vital resources that will strengthen our student success infrastructure, supporting our efforts to increase academic standing, student retention, and graduation rates," said Bobbie Knight, Miles College President. "We meet each student where they are, assessing their needs, and connecting them in a way that changes their lives. This annual grant will help us strengthen our efforts for the next five-years."

Students who face barriers to completing college, including those who are first-generation and low-income, will be aided by having success coaches, mentors, and peer-to-peer support to assist in their college experience.

Miles College will enroll 140 eligible students in the support services program funded using both institutional commitments and federal funds.

"I am thrilled to announce this substantial round of TRIO Grant funding for colleges and universities across Alabama’s 7th Congressional district," U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell said. "I know first-hand the transformative power of a good education and remain committed to ensuring that every child across our district is given the academic tools they need to thrive. I am especially excited to see that much of this funding will go toward our HBCUs who are in desperate need of support. Our district’s HBCUs are vital to our culture, our economy and our children’s future, and I remain committed to ensuring their continued vitality."

"We truly appreciate Congresswoman Sewell for her support of Miles College as the campus pursued this grant," Miles College Provost Dr. Jarralynne Agee said. "This award represents the work of many collaborators across campus and highlights our President's commitment to supporting our students, especially those that need additional guidance to navigate college."

The program is set to launch on September 1, 2020.