ETSU receives federal TRIO funding for low-income students

Nearly $2 million in new federal funding was announced for Tennessee's First Congressional District through the U.S. Department of Education's Talent Search and Educational Opportunity Centers programs, which help low-income and first-generation students prepare for and complete college. The fiscal year 2026 awards for Tennessee's First Congressional District for Talent Search include East Tennessee State University with $336,500, Tusculum University with $640,000 and Douglas-Cherokee Economic Authority, Inc. with $400,000. Educational Opportunity Centers were awarded to East Tennessee State University with $284,760 and Douglas-Cherokee Economic Authority, Inc. with $308,000. "ETSU has a longstanding tradition of serving first-generation and low-income students, helping them access the opportunities they need to thrive in college and beyond," East Tennessee State University President Brian Noland said. "For more than 20 years, Talent Search and Educational Opportunity Centers at ETSU have annually served 1,600 students to pursue education and training beyond high school, whether at a TCAT, community college, four-year university or through military service." "Through personalized guidance, mentorship and college and career readiness services, these programs have helped students build pathways to success," Noland said. "We are especially grateful to Congresswoman Diana Harshbarger for her leadership and tireless advocacy in securing funding for these programs, and we thank Senators Marsha Blackburn and Bill Hagerty for their partnership and commitment to expanding educational opportunity. This investment will have a lasting impact on the lives of students and families throughout our region." Talent Search and Educational Opportunity Centers are federal TRIO programs administered by the U.S. Department of Education under the Higher Education Act of 1965. Talent Search provides academic, financial and personal counseling to help low-income and prospective first-generation students complete high school and enroll in college or workforce training programs. Educational Opportunity Centers provide similar counseling and financial aid guidance to adults seeking to enter or complete postsecondary education. "These awards mean Talent Search and Educational Opportunity Center staff at East Tennessee State University (ETSU), Tusculum and Douglas-Cherokee Economic Authority can keep doing this work for another year," Congresswoman Diana Harshbarger said. "My office heard directly from constituents in Johnson City, Greeneville and across our district who were worried about what changes to this program would mean for their students, and we made sure the U.S. Department of Education understood how much this funding matters here. "I'm proud of the work these grantees do every day helping first-generation and low-income students get ready for college, and I'll keep fighting for East Tennessee's fair share of these federal dollars."