College of Education and Behavioral Sciences News

Western Kentucky University has received renewed federal funding for two cornerstone TRIO programs that provide first-generation, income-eligible, and students with disabilities the tools they need to succeed in higher education.

The U.S. Department of Education has awarded WKU’s Student Support Services (SSS) program $1.8 million and the Student Support Services Disabilities (SSSD) program $1.36 million to serve Hilltopper students over the next five years (2025–2030). Combined, the funding totals over $3 million to support nearly 325 students annually.

Each year, SSS provides academic, financial, and personal support for 225 students, while SSSD offers tailored resources and services for 100 students with disabilities. These programs assist students with tutoring, academic advising, financial aid guidance, graduate school preparation, and mentorship to ensure college success and graduation.

Dr. Brian Brausch, Executive Director of WKU TRIO Programs, said the new funding reaffirms the university’s commitment to student success.

“Since 1980, TRIO programs at WKU have served as lifelines for students who may not otherwise see higher education as a possibility. This renewed funding ensures that first-generation, income-eligible, and students with disabilities will continue receiving the resources, mentorship, and encouragement needed to graduate and pursue meaningful careers,” Brausch said.

The impact of TRIO is best seen through the stories of its students. Shwe Win, a first-generation college student and participant in both TRIO Talent Search and Student Support Services, graduated in May 2025 with a Master of Public Health and a certificate in Epidemiology. “I am a living testament to the power of TRIO programs,” Win shared. “I had no roadmap to college and no example to follow, but TRIO changed that. From tutoring and mentorship to graduate school preparation, TRIO gave me the tools and the confidence to succeed. I am the proof that these programs work.” 

Win’s story reflects the heart of TRIO’s mission: empowering students to not only earn degrees but also build futures of service and leadership.  She is living TRIO’s legacy of success as an Emory Rollins Followship Program Epidemiologist in Rome, Georgia.  Shwe is just one example of the millions impacted by TRIO programs throughout the U.S.

WKU TRIO leaders also expressed appreciation for federal support of these programs. U.S. Representative Brett Guthrie, who represents Kentucky’s 2nd Congressional District, has been a long-time advocate for TRIO and is a member of the TRIO Caucus. His leadership in Washington has helped sustain funding for programs like SSS and SSSD nationwide.

“We are deeply grateful for Representative Guthrie’s continued support of TRIO,” Jimmie Martin, Director of SSSD said. “His advocacy ensures that programs like ours remain strong and continue transforming lives here at WKU and across the nation.”

WKU TRIO has supported thousands of pre-college and college students through programs including Talent Search, Upward Bound, Veterans Upward Bound, Student Support Services, and Educational Opportunity Centers. With this new cycle of funding for the Student Support Services programs, the university will continue to provide guidance, opportunity, and hope for the next generation of Hilltoppers.

For more information about WKU TRIO programs, visit www.wku.edu/trio.

Contact: WKU TRIO Programs, (270) 745-6884