Columbia, S.C. - South Carolina Congressman James E. Clyburn announces the recipients of the U.S. Department of Education new Fiscal Year 2015 grants. It is anticipated that the grants will be for a total of five years. There are 21 institutions in South Carolina receiving these awards totaling more than $5 million annually.

These awards were given to schools looking to build their TRIO Student Support Services. TRIO programs are designed to identify and provide services for students from disadvantaged backgrounds. The recipients have presented potential programs that will serve students with intensive academic support, tutoring, counseling, career and cultural enrichment. They also offer services for graduate school planning, financial and economic literacy and assistance with financial aid applications.

"I am pleased that so many colleges and universities in South Carolina will be receiving funding to develop their TRIO programs," Congressman Clyburn said. "I believe it's imperative for our colleges and universities to assist low-income individuals, first generation college students and individuals with disabilities. These grants will allow schools to focus on providing important services, which will offer essential opportunities for success."

School Award Amount

Northeastern Technical College $253,676

Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College $292,336

Trident Technical College $330,133

University of South Carolina - Lancaster $256,809

University of South Carolina - Columbia $334,448

Winthrop University $231,103

Florence-Darlington Technical College $231,103

Central Carolina Technical College $231,103

Midlands Technical College $281,511

Lander University $224,372

University of South Carolina - Sumter $281,511

University of South Carolina - Upstate $281,510

Technical College of the Lowcountry $281,511

Morris College $282,124

Greenville Technical College $391,057

South Carolina State University $247,582

University of South Carolina - Salkehatchie $240,064

Clinton College $129,967

Claflin University $281,510

York Technical College $284,743

Spartanburg County Commission for Technical and Community Education $276,570