September 16, 2014

Congresswoman Dina Titus of Nevada’s First District, Nevada Senator Harry Reid, and Congressman Steven Horsford of Nevada’s Fourth District announced today that the Department of Education has awarded the University of Nevada at Las Vegas $249,998 in new grants under the Training Program for Federal TRIO Programs. The funds will be used to support training for staff and leadership personnel employed in UNLV TRIO programs. TRIO programs are designed to help students from disadvantaged backgrounds prepare for college and achieve educational success.   

“As a professor myself, I know how important higher education is to the future success of our country’s young adults and to our economy as a whole,” said Titus. “UNLV’s TRIO program has been critical to helping low-income and first-generation Nevadans overcome barriers, pursue a college degree, and enhance their opportunities in the global economy. With these funds, UNLV can build on the success of its program and bolster support for those students who need it the most.”

"A college degree has never been more important for economic success than it is today," said Senator Reid. "I am pleased that the Department of Education has provided UNLV with these federal funds from their TRIO program. With these grants, the TRIO program will help Nevada's first generation, low-income, or disabled students succeed in college and obtain a college diploma. Everyone should be able to graduate from college who wants to, and this funding will help make a college education a reality for more students."

“As a member of the Joint Congressional TRIO Caucus, I am happy to see these funds coming to UNLV,” Horsford said. “For decades, TRIO has led the way in providing college outreach, readiness and retention programs for low-income and aspiring first-generation college students. I joined other Members of Congress in calling for the full funding of TRIO, and will continue to fight for this program in the future. I am incredibly proud and grateful that I was the first in my family to be able to go to college, and TRIO was the support system that provided me with that opportunity.”