AUGUSTA — The University of Maine at Augusta will receive nearly $2.5 million in federal grant funds over the next five years to help students who come from disadvantaged backgrounds.

The student support services funds are meant to help some 360 students succeed at UMA and graduate over the next five years. The funds are expected to help UMA’s “Cornerstone TRIO” program provide first-generation, low-income students and/or students with disabilities with support, including peer mentoring, academic tutoring, assistance in course selection and help with financial aid, thus guiding them toward successful completion of their college educations.

“UMA’s Cornerstone TRIO program is one of the largest in the state of Maine and has been serving our students for over 25 years,” UMA President Rebecca Wyke said in a news release. “It is extremely important that we continue to provide these specific support services to students that need them.”

The grant funds will support students in both Augusta and Bangor.

Cornerstone TRIO Director Dorrea Fellman said in the release UMA officials are grateful for the grant that will help provide students with the tools and support they need to successfully complete their degrees.

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