Marshall’s TRIO programs serve more than 2,000 students and adult learners annually across West Virginia, providing educational guidance, college preparation, career exploration and other support services. The federally funded TRIO programs have helped expand access to higher education nationwide since the 1960s.
Dr. Karen McComas, associate provost at Marshall, said the renewed funding will provide essential support to individuals and families throughout the region.
“The Heart of Appalachia Talent Search, Empowering Appalachia Talent Search, and Educational Opportunity Center (EOC) TRIO programs will continue providing critical educational access, college preparation, and student support services throughout the region,” McComas said. “The renewed funding ensures that Marshall University can continue helping middle school students, high school students, adult learners, and other participants navigate educational pathways, pursue postsecondary opportunities, and achieve their academic and career goals. This continued investment reflects the strength of these programs, their demonstrated impact on student success, and Marshall University’s ongoing commitment to expanding educational opportunities for individuals and communities across Appalachia.”
The three programs receiving funding — the Educational Opportunity Center, Empowering Appalachia Talent Search and Heart of Appalachia Talent Search — serve students and adult learners through individualized guidance and resources designed to help them identify and pursue educational and career goals.
The Educational Opportunity Center received $1.54 million over five years and serves approximately 1,100 participants. The program helps adults and other eligible individuals explore postsecondary education, career training and other opportunities to advance their education and employment prospects.
Eugene Lacy, director of the Educational Opportunity Center, said the award will allow the program to continue helping community members recognize and pursue their educational options.
“I am incredibly happy our EOC program was funded for another five years,” Lacy said. “One of the most rewarding parts of my job is seeing individuals realize that furthering their education is possible. This five-year grant will allow us to continue providing the guidance and support people in our community need to pursue college, career training, and other educational opportunities.”
Empowering Appalachia Talent Search received $1.5 million over five years and will serve approximately 600 students annually in Cabell County. The program helps students explore career paths, prepare for college and understand the steps necessary to pursue education and training after high school.
Heather Warren, director of Empowering Appalachia Talent Search, said the funding will allow the program to continue connecting students and families with resources to help them plan for the future.
“The TRIO Empowering Appalachia Talent Search program is excited to provide five more years of career and educational resources to students and families at Huntington High, Huntington Middle, and Huntington East Middle Schools,” Warren said. “This grant allows us to encourage and assist 600 students each year as they consider their future career and education options, many of whom might not think there are options available to them.”
Heart of Appalachia Talent Search received $1.625 million over five years, providing $325,000 annually to support students in rural Mason and Wayne counties. The program will serve approximately 650 participants each year, providing continued access to educational resources, college preparation and career guidance.
Zachary Jenkins, director of Heart of Appalachia Talent Search, said the award will help sustain opportunities for students and families in the region.
“This investment represents much more than grant funding — it represents continued opportunity for students and families throughout rural West Virginia,” Jenkins said. “As a former Talent Search participant and first-generation college student myself, I know firsthand the difference that early exposure, consistent support, and having someone believe in your potential can make. We are incredibly proud to continue that work for the next generation of students in Mason and Wayne counties.”
Together, the three awards will provide $4.665 million in federal support over five years, helping Marshall continue its work to expand educational access and connect students and adult learners with the resources they need to pursue their academic, career and personal goals.
For more information about Marshall University’s TRIO programs, visit Trio Programs at Marshall University