The U.S. Department of Education recently awarded $275,940 to Sacramento State’s Student Support Services Program to benefit students with disabilities.

The announcement came from Rep. Doris Matsui, D-Sacramento, in August. The program received the grant through the TRIO Student Supportive Services, a group of federal educational opportunity programs.

The money is the first of the grants the program will receive over the course of five years. It will be used to pay for tutors, counselors, scribes, note takers and alternative testing for students, said Melissa Repa, project director of the program.

The grant will also help fund non-academic activities, such as disability awareness events for faculty and staff, and financial literacy for students.

Matsui helped endorse the grant and secure some of the funds. Spokeswoman Mara Lee said Matsui has always supported higher education, and is “always looking for opportunities to help Sacramento State.”

Sac State’s Student Support Services Program’s main objective is to help students with disabilities, students from low-income families, and first-generation college students with academic and financial needs, to succeed and graduate from college.

“It’s a great program. It’s very helpful,” said junior recreation and leisure studies major Samuelu Folau, who’s part of the program.

Folau said the grant helps him with books, transportation and medical expenses. He has been a part of the program since his freshman year. He visits the office, located in Lassen Hall, when he needs academic advising and counseling.

After he graduates, Folau said he plans to get his master’s degree and focus on recreational therapy, sports, help other students with disabilities, and show them other ways to have fun.

Folau said he loves sports, and he is hoping to one day join the Paralympics. He said he had that idea after taking a recreational class, where he took part in wheelchair rugby.

Cayla Gale can be reached at [email protected].