LBW Community College was recently awarded a five-year TRIO grant totaling more than $3 million from the U.S. Department of Education to fund the college’s student support services “Target” program.

“Target” offers supplemental services to improve retention and graduation rates to students who are first-generation students, are eligible based on income, or who have disabilities.

The five-year, federally funded grant spans Sept. 1, 2010, through Aug. 31, 2015.

“The Target program has become an integral part of the services offered to students and continued funding is of extreme importance to the college,” said LBWCC President Dr. Herb Riedel. “We are delighted that these services will continue for another five years.”

Jason Cain, director of student support services at LBWCC, said, “This grant makes it possible to continue providing assistance to students and help them negotiate the rigors of college.”

“We offer a number of learning opportunities, including assisting with academic, personal and financial aid issues,” he said. “Students are also exposed to cultural activities they would not otherwise experience, which helps broaden their academic development.

“Our staff members serve as motivators for success at LBWCC, and for completing a four-year degree program of study if that is the course the student wants to take,” he said.

The program is offered at all LBWCC campuses, including Andalusia, Opp and Greenville.

Currently, more than 400 students system-wide are served by the program. Of those, 165 attend classes on the Andalusia campus.