The U.S. Department of Education has announced a grant of $2,964,464 to support Hispanic and underserved students at Trinidad State College.

The Title V Grant, also called the Developing Hispanic-Serving Institutions (DHSI) Program, will be in effect for five years. Trinidad State has, for many years, been a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI), meaning more than a quarter of Trinidad State students are Hispanic. Currently 42.7 percent of the students at Trinidad State claim Hispanic heritage. That number has hovered between 38 and 44 percent for more than a decade. The money will be used to provide services and resources for Hispanic and low-income students at Trinidad State Campuses in Trinidad and Alamosa. The grant will also pay for professional development for students, faculty and staff, as well as technology upgrades and support.

“This grant could not have come at a more important time,” said Trinidad State President Dr. Rhonda M. Epper. “The COVID-19 pandemic has put pressure on all of our students, but especially on our highest risk populations – first-generation, low-income, and students of color. We know that a college degree can change a student’s life trajectory, both for them and future generations of their family. Our project will be focused on helping students get to the finish line successfully.”