CSU-Pueblo earns $1.6 million, four-year grant to assist students

Pueblo- More than 1,800 area residents seeking higher education opportunities will benefit from an annual federal appropriation to Colorado State University – Pueblo’s Southern Colorado Educational Opportunity Center (SCEOC) of $410,662, or $1.6 million over four years, to assist first generation and low-income adults gain access to higher education.

CSU-Pueblo received official notice last week that the SCEOC had earned the annual funding as part of the federally-funded TRIO Educational Opportunity Center grant program from September 2006 through August 2010. SCEOC is the only pre-collegiate program in the region with the primary purpose of helping disadvantaged adults gain access to higher education.

Under this grant award, the program will serve 1,800 residents in 12 Southeastern Colorado counties and one northern New Mexico County each year. The central office will continue to be located on the CSU-Pueblo Campus with satellite offices at the Pueblo Worklink, Pikes Peak Community College, Trinidad State Junior College, Otero State Junior College and Lamar Community College.

“I’m obviously pleased to see the University partnering with so many entities in our efforts to make higher education a viable option for the people of southern Colorado,” said CSU-Pueblo President Joseph Garcia. “This grant also emphasizes the fact that CSU-Pueblo serves not just the traditional college-age student, but adults who may be seeking a different career, personal growth, or a more secure situation for their families.”

Services provided by the SCEOC program include:
• Information about college and career opportunities
• Assistance in completing admissions and financial aid applications
• Referrals to GED and college preparation programs
• Information about scholarship opportunities

According to program director Michael Manos, the program will help to strengthen CSU-Pueblo’s ties to the communities in the region and further demonstrate CSU-Pueblo’s leadership and commitment to providing equal access to higher education.

A key element of the grant is CSU-Pueblo’s partnership with Southeastern Colorado’s community colleges. Pueblo Community College, Pikes Peak Community College, Trinidad State Junior College, Otero Junior College and Lamar Community College have all pledged support for the grant.

For more information on the grant or the services provided by SCEOC, contact Manos at (719) 549-2457, toll-free at (877) 302-4433, or via e-mail at sceoc@colostate-pueblo.edu

Colorado State University - Pueblo is a regional, comprehensive university emphasizing professional, career-oriented, and applied programs. Displaying excellence in teaching, celebrating diversity, and engaging in service and outreach, CSU-Pueblo is distinguished by access, opportunity, and the overall quality of services provided to its students.