The funding will strengthen college and career readiness for more than 860 Inland Empire residents every year

SAN BERNARDINO, CA - Today, Rep. Pete Aguilar (CA-33) announced a $241,332 grant award for California State University, San Bernardino (CSUSB) to expand educational opportunities, workforce training, financial literacy and planning for underserved populations in the Inland Empire.

The funding will support CSUSB's TRIO Educational Opportunity Center (TRIO EOC) Project, which offers comprehensive academic and career services to adults looking to go back to school and youth who did not graduate from high school. The program offers resources to help these individuals pursue higher education and plan for their futures, including completing their GEDs, applying to college, navigating financial aid applications, financial literacy courses, finding apprenticeships and preparing for careers in good-paying fields.

"Everyone in the Inland Empire deserves the chance to pursue an education and find a good-paying job, regardless of their age or background," said Rep. Pete Aguilar. "I'm proud to announce this funding for CSUSB to strengthen and expand their academic and workforce preparation programs, creating more opportunities for people here in the Inland Empire to achieve their career and financial goals."

"Education has the power to transform lives, strengthen families, and change the trajectory of entire communities," said Dalia Hernandez, Director, TRIO EOC, CSUSB. "Through the support of the U.S. Department of Education and the continued institutional investment of California State University, San Bernardino, the TRIO Educational Opportunity Center (TRIO EOC) is positioned to expand access to critical educational resources for individuals across the Inland Empire. Through TRIO EOC, CSUSB is reaffirming its commitment to ensuring that individuals have the guidance, resources, and opportunities they need to pursue higher education and achieve their college and career goals. We are not simply helping individuals navigate the path to higher education; we are removing barriers, opening doors, and creating pathways to economic mobility and lifelong success. This federal investment, coupled with CSUSB's ongoing commitment to the communities we serve, reflects our shared belief that talent and potential exist everywhere-and opportunity should, too. TRIO EOC is more than a program; it is an investment in people, families, and the future of the Inland Empire."

This funding comes from the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Postsecondary Education (OPE) Educational Opportunity Centers (84.066A) program grant awards.