SUNY Canton

« Back to Recent News

SUNY Canton Receives Grant Funding for TRiO Student Support Services

Canton, NY (09/02/2025) — The U.S. Department of Education recently notified SUNY Canton that funding for the TRiO Student Support Services program has been renewed. As of Sept. 1, the college began receiving its allotment of more than $321,000. The funding is expected to continue annually through 2030.

"Our Student Support Services program uses a personalized advising model to help students navigate campus resources, manage time, build study skills and prepare for faculty advising," said Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Peggy A. De Cooke. "The program's approach empowers eligible SUNY Canton students to overcome obstacles and continue their college journey with confidence."

The funding was awarded following a competitive grant application process. The college demonstrated effectiveness and met federally mandated criteria with its successful student support initiatives.

Coupled with support from the college, the Department of Education allotment funds salaries of the dedicated professionals who run the program, among other supplies, software, and learning materials necessary to support more than 200 students a year. The program offers tutoring, mentoring, financial aid guidance, textbook and laptop lending and a specialized lab for its students.

"We provide tutoring, mentoring, financial aid guidance, textbook and laptop lending, and life-skill development," said Kelsey A. Guerard, interim director of the college's Student Support Services program. "We've also taken students on cultural and educational trips to Boston and Washington, D.C. Our main objectives are life skills, career readiness and cultural engagement."

All student support service programs have differing eligibility requirements, and the directors have found they can help guide applicants toward the appropriate support plan. For Student Support Services, students are typically first-generation, meet income requirements or have a documented disability. Students can apply to join Student Support Services at any point during their education.

Upcoming initiatives within Student Support Services include launching a structured peer mentoring program led by a TRiO Academic Counselor.

TRiO refers to federal programs designed to aid students from disadvantaged backgrounds who are pursuing a college degree. All programs aim to help students overcome social, economic, academic and cultural barriers when accessing higher education and succeeding in college.

Discover SUNY Canton, where innovation meets opportunity. The college's career-focused educational programs emphasize hands-on and applied learning opportunities in digital design, engineering technology, health, information technology, management, public service, and veterinary technology. Faculty members bring real-world experience and exceptional academic expertise to the classroom. As a leader in online education, SUNY Canton offers unmatched flexibility with hundreds of courses and 25 comprehensive degree programs offered completely online. The SUNY Canton Kangaroos compete at the NCAA Division III level and are members of the SUNYAC. In addition to its 15 traditional teams, SUNY Canton offers coed varsity esports and cheerleading.

Media Attachments

SUNY Canton individual studies major Breannah Markwick of Gouverneur works in the college's TRiO student support services lab. The program programs aim to help students overcome social, economic, academic and cultural barriers when accessing higher education.

Students walk from TRiO first-year experience program class at SUNY Canton. The college recently received federal funding to continue offering the program.

Pictured (l to r) are SUNY Canton students Andy Linares of the Bronx, Emily Lopez also of the Bronx, and Nevaeh Phelps of Ogdensburg in the college's TRiO Student Support Services lab.

Copyright © 2025 Merit Pages, Inc. • All Rights Reserved. • Terms of Service • Privacy Policy • Opt Out