Front Range Community College (FRCC) has just been awarded a competitive multi-year TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) grant for the college’s Larimer Campus. The $1.3 million-dollar grant, which will be distributed over a 5-year period, will fund a crucial new campus program from September 2025 through September 2030.
This federal grant reinforces FRCC’s commitment to ensuring success for every learner, with a particular focus on students who are first-generation, come from low-income backgrounds or have documented disabilities. Existing TRIO SSS programs at FRCC’s Westminster and Boulder County campuses also continue to receive federal funding.
Supporting the Whole Student
This competitive award will allow FRCC to expand its suite of wraparound support services that help students persist, complete and transition to further educational and career opportunities. Over the next five years, the college will leverage the grant to provide academic advising, tutoring, mentoring, financial literacy support, transfer guidance and career exploration to eligible students at the Larimer Campus.
“This additional TRIO SSS program will be transformative for our students,” said Dr. Gabriel Castaño, Vice President of Enrollment Management and Student Success. “It allows us to deepen our commitment to success for every learner by providing resources, coaching and guidance to students who face the greatest barriers to completing their education.”
TRIO Works
TRIO SSS has high success rates—national averages show that participants are more likely to graduate and persist than non-participants. A US Department of Education evaluation found that TRIO students at two-year institutions are 48% more likely to earn an associate degree or transfer to a four-year college than their peers not in the program.
“We will use this funding strategically to ensure every participant receives proactive, holistic support,” said Vanessa Mendez, FRCC’s senior director of retention and support services. “Our goal is to not only help students stay in college, but to help them graduate, transfer and launch meaningful careers.”
Personalized Support
Under the TRIO SSS program, FRCC anticipates serving 140 students per year who meet federal eligibility criteria. Each student will receive a personalized success plan tailored to
their specific goals and challenges, along with regular check-ins and access to campus and community resources.
The key components of FRCC’s TRIO SSS program include:
- One-on-one academic and career advising;
- Workshops in study skills, time management, financial literacy, and college navigation;
- Peer mentoring, tutoring, and supplemental instruction;
- Assistance with transfer to four-year programs, graduate school planning, and scholarships;
- Coordinated support for overcoming nonacademic challenges that can hinder progress.
Building Success for Every Learner
FRCC’s inclusion in this TRIO grant aligns directly with the college’s Forward, Together Strategic Plan, particularly the strategic priority of Success for Every Learner. The grant helps ensure that students with higher needs are not left behind, but instead receive intentional, comprehensive support to help them cross the finish line.
“In a time when the landscape of higher education continues to evolve, we must meet our learners where they are to ensure their success,” said FRCC President Dr. Colleen Simpson. “At FRCC, we are intentional about creating an environment where every learner can thrive. This grant reinforces our commitment to our bold strategic plan and to transforming lives through education.”
In awarding FRCC the grant, the US Department of Education recognizes the college’s strong track record, existing support infrastructure and bold plans for expanding impact.
FRCC will begin implementation immediately, with full services phased in over the next few months.
About TRIO Student Support Services
TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) is one of several federally funded programs that help students overcome barriers to postsecondary success. SSS programs are designed to increase college completion, retention, and transfer rates among first-generation, low-income, or disability-eligible students.
About Front Range Community College
Front Range Community College (FRCC) is Colorado’s largest community college, serving more than 27,000 students each year. With courses offered at multiple locations, online and through our high school Concurrent Enrollment programs, at FRCC, learners can choose from more than 200 degrees and certificates in a wide variety of fields. For more information, visit frontrange.edu.
The college’s strategic plan, Forward, Together, focuses on five strategic priorities:
- Learning Without Limits
- Success for Every Learner
- Vibrant Culture
- College Excellence
- Transformational Partnerships
FRCC is proud to be part of the Colorado Community College System, advancing educational access and workforce development across the state.
