Student Support Services Program Receives More than $2 Million in Federal Funding
The University of Pittsburgh was awarded a grant of $2,039,960 from the U.S. Department of Education to continue the work of the Student Support Services (SSS) Project. The SSS program is designed to address the needs of first generation college students and/or students who meet federally stipulated income guidelines. SSS assists its participants in making a smooth transition from high school to the academic and overall rigors of the college environment. Pitt received $407,992 for the current funding year Sept. 1 through Aug. 31, 2011, with funding continuing in equal amounts for four additional years, provided the program achieves its objectives.
A national initiative that has been at Pitt since 1972, Student Support Services offers a unique mix of outreach services to its 250 student participants in order for them to enhance their academic skills and maintain the level of motivation required to persist and ultimately graduate from college. Through the Academic Resource Center, SSS provides tutoring for its students. SSS also provides its students with mentoring and academic advising, as well as social and cultural activities. There are 796 SSS programs in the United States.