We are pleased to announce the awarding of $644,041 this September, in support of critical efforts designed to increase college student enrollment, retention and success. Grants will address a range of goals, including addressing the racial and economic disparities exposed and exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and supporting critical infrastructure change and leadership at colleges and universities.

  • $150,000 to Project ARRIBA to assist individuals from low-income households in gaining the education and job skills needed for high-demand occupations that pay a family-sustaining, living wage in El Paso. Project ARRIBA promotes a working partnership between community-based organizations, training institutions, and corporate partners.
  • $298,000 to Texas Community College Education Initiative/TACC to support two project strands—one of which will focus on the implementation and scaling of 8-week courses in community colleges. The other project strand aims to inform the deliberations of the Commission on Community College Finance on the unique and critical needs of Texas rural communities.
  • $149,276 to the University of Texas at Dallas to support academic research on how Texas community colleges are addressing their students’ mental health needs. This study will also include recommendations for higher education stakeholders on how they can target resources to support student mental well-being and academic success.
  • $25,000 to Lee College to support a fourth cohort of students currently incarcerated at the Texas State Penitentiary at Huntsville. This program helps students to prepare for gainful employment and personal success once released from prison.
  • $21,765 to Excelencia in Education to develop, publish, and disseminate a book that highlights the presidency of Dr. Diana Natalicio, recently retired from the University of Texas at El Paso. This project is designed to tell the story of how a small regional public institution transformed into a local, regional, national, and international powerhouse of success. The story of Dr. Natalicio and her leadership is meant to help guide future and current leaders committed to Latina/o/x student success.

About Trellis Foundation

Trellis Foundation advances equitable educational opportunities in Texas by supporting postsecondary programs, practices and systems that reduce disparities and lead to success for low-income students and students of color. More information is available www.trellisfoundation.org.