UMF Johnson Scholars Program receives five-year TRIO Student Support Services federal grant to help first generation, low income and students with disabilities succeed in college

Federal grant will help boost student retention and graduation at University of Maine at Farmington

FARMINGTON, ME (August 18, 2025)—The U.S. Department of Education has awarded the University of Maine at Farmington a five-year federal TRIO Student Support Services grant (TRIO SSS) to improve college retention and graduation rates among low-income, first generation students and students with disabilities. The award for the first year and each subsequent year is $352,530, with an expected total of $1,762.650 over five years.

U.S. Sen. Susan Collins, who co-chairs the Congressional TRIO Caucus, announced the competitive U.S. Department of Education awards in July.

TRIO SSS grants empower students to overcome barriers to success through individualized services including academic tutoring, financial aid, scholarship guidance, career exploration, personal and academic counseling and mentoring. These comprehensive supports make it significantly more likely that students will achieve a door-opening postsecondary degree and upward mobility, while meeting critical state workforce needs.

The TRIO SSS program at UMF is administered through the University’s Johnson Scholars Program. One of 13 federally funded TRIO Student Support Services programs in Maine, UMF’s Johnson Scholars provides services to 180 students each year who come to UMF from low-income families or will be the first in their families to receive a baccalaureate degree. The program helps students adapt to college life, develop necessary skills and map out their academic and personal success.

The UMF TRIO Student Support Services program empowers students to overcome barriers and achieve their college degree.  Pictured is a proud group of 2024 UMF TRIO graduates.

“It has been my privilege to work with some of the most hardworking, resilient students who have shown that with the right resources and support, first-generation college students can succeed and contribute greatly to the community and beyond,” said UMF Director of Johnson Scholars Ashlee Fecteau. “Many are unsure they would even make it through college, but year after year, this program gives them the skills and confidence to complete their education and go on to successful careers.”

According to the UMF TRIO SSS 2023-2024 annual performance review, 90% of all participants served by the SSS project re-enroll at UMF in the fall term of the next academic year or graduate with a bachelor’s degree. Of those students served by the program, 92% remained in good academic standing.

For more information about UMF TRIO Student Support Services visit UMF Johnson Scholars Program or contact Ashlee Fecteau at ashlee.fecteau@maine.edu or 207-778-7565.

More on University of Maine at Farmington

A nationally recognized public liberal arts college known for its commitment to the creative arts, teacher preparation, the health arts and sciences, the environment, business and public service, UMF provides a challenging yet supportive environment to prepare students for both careers and further study. Located in the heart of Maine’s four-season outdoor recreational region, UMF is a welcoming, close-knit academic community that prepares students for enriching professional careers, engaged citizenship and an enduring love of learning.

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EDITOR’S NOTE:

Image: https://farmington.edu/app/uploads/2025/09/RP245-043-scaled.jpg
Photo Caption: The UMF TRIO Student Support Services program empowers students to overcome barriers and achieve their college degree. Pictured is a proud group of 2024 UMF TRIO graduates.
Photo Credit: UMF Image