A new federal grant will allow Renton Technical College to provide more support to help students on their path to graduation.

The college was awarded its first TRIO grant from the U.S. Department of Education. TRIO Programs are federal outreach and student services programs designed to identify and provide services for individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds. RTC’s $1,361,820 grant will be used to hire staff and provide services to increase the persistence, academic good standing, transfer, and graduation rates. TRIO will primarily serve first-generation and low-income students, as well as students with disabilities.

TRIO is a forward-funded grant, so the funds are available for the 2025–2026 fiscal year, even as federal funds to educational institutions remain under scrutiny.

The work aligns with the goals of the college’s Be The Place Strategic Equity Plan and Guided Pathways. 

College leaders were notified of the grant in late September and will announce implementation details soon.