Delta State receives federal educational opportunity grant

Cleveland, MS (10/02/2026) — Contact: Nathan Duff FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Phone: (662) 846-4678

Email: nduff@deltastate.edu

Delta State receives federal educational opportunity grant

CLEVELAND, Miss. - Delta State University has been awarded a five-year federal TRIO Educational Opportunity Center grant to continue the work of the Delta Educational Opportunity Center (DEOC) and expand access to education, training and career pathways throughout the Mississippi Delta.

Based on the University's approved application budget, the project will receive $305,200 annually, representing up to $1.526 million over the 60-month project period, subject to annual continuation of funding.

The DEOC will serve at least 1,090 eligible participants each year across Bolivar, Coahoma, Holmes, Humphreys, Issaquena, Leflore, Quitman, Sharkey, Sunflower, Tallahatchie, Tunica and Washington counties.

"This award reinforces Delta State University's commitment to serving the people and communities of the Mississippi Delta," said Dr. Leslie Griffin, DSU Provost and Vice-President for Academic Affairs. "By helping individuals navigate college admissions, financial aid, workforce training and career pathways, the Delta Educational Opportunity Center will create opportunities that strengthen families, communities and the region's economy."

The program will provide individualized academic and career advising, assistance with high school equivalency completion, FAFSA and financial-aid support, college admissions and enrollment assistance, financial literacy education, test-preparation resources, and referrals to community and social-service organizations.

Under the new grant cycle, the Center will also expand its emphasis on workforce-aligned education. Participants will receive information and hands-on assistance related to Registered Apprenticeships, pre-apprenticeships, short-term training, industry-recognized credentials and traditional college degree pathways.

Each participant will work with an academic and career counselor to develop a personalized Participant Education Plan. These plans will identify the participant's educational and career goals and outline the steps needed to enter a college program, credential pathway, apprenticeship or other workforce training opportunity.

"This award allows Delta State to continue meeting participants where they are while offering more pathways to where they want to go," said Dr. Heather Kovarcik Miller, DSU's Executive Director of Sponsored Programs and Special Projects. "For some individuals, the best next step may be a college degree. For others, it may be an apprenticeship or an industry-recognized credential. Our goal is to help every participant understand the available options and successfully move into the pathway that best fits their goals."

AccelerateMS, Mississippi's lead workforce development agency, will serve as a strategic partner in the initiative. The partnership will help connect the Center's advising services with current labor-market information, statewide apprenticeship and work-based learning initiatives, training opportunities and employer needs in priority industries. "There is no single pathway to a successful career," said Edward Hargrove, MSED, workforce programs manager at AccelerateMS. "This grant will help expand access to education and training opportunities for individuals across the Mississippi Delta."

The DEOC will also work with regional colleges and universities, adult education providers, workforce organizations, schools, community groups and employers to ensure participants can access coordinated support throughout the 12-county service area.

Services will be offered through individualized advising, group workshops, community outreach, and virtual platforms to address transportation, technology and geographic barriers faced by residents of rural communities.

The Educational Opportunity Center Program helps qualified individuals enter or continue postsecondary education by providing information and assistance related to admissions, financial aid, educational planning, financial literacy and career development.

For additional information about the Delta Educational Opportunity Center, contact Delta State University at https://www.deltastate.edu/institutional-grants/deoc/

Delta State University received the TriO Educational Opportunity Centers grant through the U.S. Department of Labor's Employment and Training Administration, which is administering the program on behalf of the U.S. Department of Education.

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About Delta State University: Delta State University is a four-year public institution whose nearly 2,800 students come from most U.S. states and more than 45 countries. Acknowledging its beginning as a teacher's college, the University sustains excellence in teacher education while continuing to expand offerings in traditional as well as unique fields of study. Programs such as those available through the Delta Music Institute, the Commercial Aviation Department, and the Center for Interdisciplinary Geospatial Information highlight the University's commitment to meeting the evolving needs of the students it serves with world-leading, industry-acclaimed programs. Situated in the heart of the Mississippi Delta, Delta State offers top-notch academic programs in business, arts, sciences, nursing, education, and more. DSU Athletics has won 15 national championships, 70 conference championships, and 37 regional titles.

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