SUMTER, S.C. (courtesy The Sumter Item) — The U.S. Department of Education has awarded Morris College a $1.7 million Student Support Services Grant for supporting Morris students over the next five years.
“These funds will be most helpful in enriching academic experiences for many Morris College students, as well as helping them to realize their career goals,” said Morris College President Leroy Staggers.
The Student Support Services Program grant, funded under Title IV of the Higher Education Act, will help the college provide opportunities for academic development, assist students with basic college requirements, and to motivate students toward the successful completion of their post-secondary education. In some cases, grant aid in the form of cash payments may be awarded to participating students.
Services provided through the Student Support Services Program, directed by Joseph Jones, include academic tutoring, advising and assistance in course selection, financial literacy, assistance in completing financial aid applications, group and individualized counseling for personal, career and academic matters, along with exposure to cultural events and academic programs not usually available to disadvantaged students.
The grant will enable Morris College to continue providing academic and other support services to low-income, first-generation and students with disabilities to increase students’ retention and graduation rates.