The University of Arizona has received nearly $4 million in grants from the U.S. Department of Education for student support services, particularly for first-generation students, students from low-income households and students with disabilities.

One of the $1.3 million grants will go toward Arizona's Science, Engineering and Math Scholars Program, which provides support to students in science, technology, engineering and math fields.

The funding will be distributed over the next five years and will support a total of more than 400 students each year.

"These three grants illustrate the University of Arizona's commitment to ensuring each of our students has the resources they need to succeed during their time here and after they graduate," said University of Arizona President Robert C. Robbins. "I am proud of the work these university programs have already done, and I look forward to seeing how they will reach even more students thanks to these grants from the Department of Education."

The grants come from the U.S. Department of Education's TRIO Programs, which have served first-generation students, students from low-income households and students with disabilities for more than 50 years. The TRIO Programs include the Student Support Services Program, which is funding these grants and helps students meet basic college requirements so they can complete their degrees.

The University of Arizona has regularly received TRIO funding for about 50 years. This is the first time that the university has received more than one TRIO Student Support Services grant in a single year.

Arizona's Science, Engineering and Math Scholars Program provides support to students across the university who are majoring in science, technology, engineering and math disciplines. The program is a partnership between two university units: Research, Innovation & Impact and Student Success and Retention Innovation. This year's TRIO grant is a renewal of ASEMS' current TRIO ASEMS program. That program supports 124 undergraduate students studying STEM majors who are first-generation college students, students who come from low-income households or student who have a disability. Among the services offered to students are academic mentoring, career advising, workshops and opportunities to participate in research. The grant's principal investigator is Fatemma Soto-Herrera, director of the TRIO ASEMS program.