news

Washington, D.C. – This week, Congressman Don Young (AK-AL), Congresswoman Kendra Horn (OK-5), and Congresswoman Annie Kuster (NH-02) introduced the bipartisan Coronavirus College Access and Completion Emergency Relief Act. The bill would provide emergency funding to the Federal TRIO Programs to support access to counseling, tutoring, mentoring and technology to help students enter and complete college. As many schools have moved to online classes during the pandemic, many of our most vulnerable students lack the support services and technology needed to complete courses or apply for college and financial aid.

"I have been a long-time supporter of Federal TRIO Programs because I have witnessed their positive impact for students across the State of Alaska who face barriers to education," said Congressman Don Young. "Access to higher education can pose many challenges, and the COVID-19 pandemic has only made things more difficult for those needing support. In these unprecedented times, we must ensure that these programs are working for economically and socially disadvantaged students, students with disabilities, and those experiencing homelessness. I am proud to partner with Congresswoman Kendra Horn in the introduction of the Coronavirus College Access and Completion Emergency Relief Act. It is crucially important that TRIO Programs receive emergency funding in any future COVID-19 relief legislation, and our bill will help make that happen. In Congress, I will continue pushing to ensure that TRIO is there for the students who need it most."

“Low-income and first-generation college students are dropping out in record numbers during this COVID-19 crisis,” said Congresswoman Horn. “TRIO Programs have a proven track record of building bridges for our most vulnerable students to overcome challenges in accessing and successfully completing higher education. I am proud to introduce the bipartisan Coronavirus College Access and Completion Emergency Relief Act with Congressman Don Young and Congresswoman Annie Kuster to expand the TRIO student support program to help students in their shift to blended and online learning. TRIO programs provide critical resources and increase graduation rates for high risk students. This investment translates into a more equipped workforce and a stronger economy.”

“On top of the normal barriers students face during normal times, the COVID-19 crisis has made navigating college – especially for low-income and first generation students – much more difficult,” said Congresswoman Kuster. “Federal TRIO programs provide critical support for vulnerable students across the Granite State, and I’m proud to help introduce this bipartisan proposal to provide additional funding for these important resources. The Coronavirus College Access and Completion Emergency Relief Act will secure more funding for TRIO programs to support access to counseling resources, technology, and tutoring services to help our students succeed during this unprecedented time.”

TRIO is an evidenced-based suite of education programs serving first-generation, low-income students, students with disabilities, students in foster care, students experiencing homelessness, unemployed adults and veterans. With COVID-19’s economic devastation, more people now qualify for TRIO’s crucial services.

The Coronavirus College Access and Completion Emergency Relief Act is cosponsored by Representatives Madeleine Dean (PA-04), William R. Keating (MA-09), Jenniffer González-Colón (PR-AL), TJ Cox (CA-21), Jefferson Van Drew (NJ-02), Gwen Moore (WI-02), Cindy Axne (IA-03) and Rodney Davis (IL-13).

###