Student Support Services: In the October 23, 2009 Federal Register the U.S. Department of Education Office of Postsecondary Education announced the availability of funding for the Student Support Services Program (Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance number 84.042A).  The purpose of this program is to increase the number of disadvantaged low-income college students, first generation college students, and college students with disabilities in the United States who successfully complete a program of study at the postsecondary level. The support services provided should increase the retention and graduation rates for these students and facilitate their transfer from two-year to four-year colleges and universities. The application deadline is December 7, 2009. Eligible applicants include institutions of higher education. To request an application package, visit www.grants.gov. For further information, contact Deborah Walsh, U.S. Department of Education, 1990 K Street, NW, Washington, DC 20006-8510. Telephone: (202) 502-7600, TRIO@ed.gov.