Arkansas Tech University–Ozark Campus has been awarded more than $1.3 million in estimated grant funding from the U.S. Department of Education for TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) programs.
The grant allows ATU-Ozark to work toward improving college retention and graduation rates among students that meet at least one of the following criteria: be a first-generation college student, meet federal low-income guidelines or have a documented disability.
ATU-Ozark Campus was first awarded the TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) grant in 2020, with the current grant cycle running through Aug. 31, 2025. A new grant was submitted in the summer of 2024, and on July 3, 2025, ATU-Ozark was notified that it has been selected to receive funding for the 2025-2030 cycle.
TRIO SSS at ATU-Ozark is 100 percent federally funded by the U.S. Department of Education, with an annual budget of $272,364 to support 140 eligible students.
“We are thrilled that ATU-Ozark Campus has been awarded our second cycle of the TRIO SSS grant,” said Bethany Lucius, director of the TRIO SSS program at ATU-Ozark. “As a first-generation college graduate myself, I understand firsthand the challenges many of our students face. That’s why this program means so much to me because now I get to help provide the knowledge, guidance and encouragement I once needed. TRIO SSS is not about giving students financial support. It’s about offering something far more valuable: consistent mentorship, strong campus connections and personalized resources that empower students to thrive.”
TRIO SSS guides students by offering services such as academic tutoring, financial aid, scholarship guidance, career exploration, personal and academic counseling and mentoring.
Lucius explained that with access to these tools, students are more likely to graduate and reach their goals.
“Whether they’re first-generation, low-income or students with disabilities, our goal is to walk alongside them as they pursue their educational journey at ATU-Ozark and beyond,” said Lucius. “And for those who wish to continue to earn a bachelor’s degree, we’re here to support that transition every step of the way.”
Lucius was recently promoted to ATU-Ozark director of student support services after serving as TRIO SSS advisor for the past five years. Mario Varela, former recruiter at ATU-Ozark, will now serve as TRIO SSS advisor.
ATU-Ozark students interested in applying for the TRIO SSS program may send e-mail to ozark.trio.sss@atu.edu, call (479) 667-1115 or visit www.atu.edu/ozark/sss.
