Grant Details

The purpose of the SSS Program is to increase the number of disadvantaged, low-income college students, first-generation college students, and college students with disabilities in the United States who successfully complete a program of study at the postsecondary level. The support services that are provided should increase the retention and graduation rates for these categories of students and facilitate their transfer from two-year to four-year colleges and universities. The support services should also foster an institutional climate that supports the success of students who are limited English proficient, students from groups that are historically underrepresented in postsecondary education, students with disabilities, students who are homeless children and youths, students who are in foster care or are aging out of the foster care system, and other disconnected students. Student support services should also improve the financial and economic literacy of students.

All SSS projects must provide:

• academic tutoring, which may include instruction in reading, writing, study skills, mathematics, science, and other subjects;
• advice and assistance in postsecondary course selection, assist students with information on both the full range of student financial aid programs, benefits and resources for locating public and private scholarships;
• assistance in completing financial aid applications;
• education or counseling services designed to improve the financial and economic literacy and assist students in applying for admission to graduate and professional programs;
• and assist students enrolled in two-­year institutions and applying for admission to, and obtaining financial assistance for enrollment in four­-year programs.

The SSS projects may also provide:

• individualized counseling for personal, career, and academic information, activities, and instruction designed to acquaint students with career options;
• exposure to cultural events and academic programs not usually available;
• mentoring programs, securing temporary housing during breaks for students who are homeless youths and students who are in foster care or are aging out of the foster care system.

This notice contains two competitive preference priorities. These priorities are:

• Competitive Preference Priority 1— Fostering Flexible and Affordable Paths to Obtaining Knowledge and Skills (up to 3 points). Projects that are designed to address improving collaboration between education providers and employers to ensure student learning objectives are aligned with the skills or knowledge required for employment in in-demand industry sectors or occupations (as defined in section 3(23) of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act of 2014). 
• Competitive Preference Priority 2— Fostering Knowledge and Promoting the Development of Skills That Prepare Students To Be Informed, Thoughtful, and Productive Individuals and Citizens (up to 2 points). Projects that are designed to address supporting instruction in personal financial literacy, knowledge of markets and economics, knowledge of higher education financing and repayment (e.g., college savings and student loans), or other skills aimed at building personal financial understanding and responsibility.