More than 860 Inland Empire residents each year will receive expanded assistance pursuing an education, preparing for a career and building financial skills through a pre-college program housed at Cal State San Bernardino.

CSUSB’s TRIO Educational Opportunity Center received a $241,332 federal grant to strengthen its academic and career services for underserved populations. U.S. Rep. Pete Aguilar, CA-33, announced the award Sept. 10.

The program works with adults seeking to return to school and young people who did not graduate from high school. Its services include assistance completing GEDs, applying to college and navigating financial aid applications.

Participants also can take financial literacy courses, explore apprenticeships and prepare for careers in well-paying fields.

“Education has the power to transform lives, strengthen families and change the trajectory of entire communities,” said Dalia Hernandez, director of CSUSB’s TRIO Educational Opportunity Center.

Hernandez said support from the U.S. Department of Education, combined with CSUSB’s continued investment, will help the program expand access to educational resources throughout 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,” she said.

The program’s work extends beyond helping participants understand admissions, financial aid and other educational processes, Hernandez said. It also seeks to remove barriers and create pathways to economic mobility and long-term 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,” Hernandez said.

Aguilar said the grant will allow CSUSB to strengthen and expand programs designed to help Inland Empire residents achieve their educational, career and financial goals.

“Everyone in the Inland Empire deserves the chance to pursue an education and find a good-paying job, regardless of their age or background,” Aguilar said.

The funding comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Postsecondary Education through its Educational Opportunity Centers program. Aguilar serves as chair of the House Democratic Caucus and is a member of the House Committee on Appropriations.