Finding 539106 (2024-001)

Criteria According to 34 C.F.R. 643.32(b) and 34 C.F.R. 644.32(b): Number of Participants. For each year of the project period, a grantee must serve at least the number of participants that the Secretary identifies in the Federal Register notice inviting applications for a competition. Through this notice, the Secretary also provides the minimum and maximum grant award amounts for the competition. Condition The Federal Government requires that institutions participating in the TRIO programs serve a minimum number of participants. The College’s Education Opportunity Center program was allocated funds to service 1,000 participants for the grant year ended August 31, 2023 but served 841 participants, according to the grant’s Annual Performance Report provided to us. The College’s North Central MA Talent Search program was allocated funds to service 500 participants for the grant year ended August 31, 2023 but served 375 participants, according to the grant’s Annual Performance Report provided to us. Cause The College was unable to recruit enough individuals to participate in its Educational Opportunity Centers and North Central Mass Talent Search programs. Effect As a result, the College is not in compliance with the requirements of the Educational Opportunity Centers and North Central Mass Talent Search programs. Each program’s grant award notification does contain language that the programs will continue to receive funding if it meets certain percentages of student participation requirements which each program was able to satisfy and received continued funding with no restrictions or penalties. Questioned Costs Unable to determine.   Perspective Not applicable as the College files one report annually for the Talent Search and Educational Opportunity Center programs. Identification as a Repeat Finding, if applicable Finding 2023-001 Recommendation The College should review its recruiting strategy and make applicable changes to ensure the required number of students are served by these programs. Views of Responsible Officials The College agrees with the finding.