During these difficult economic times, finding financial assistance for college can be a tricky process.

That’s where Troy University’s Opening Doors College Access Project could come in handy.

A $20,000 grant has been awarded to the university to help parents and students get acquainted with the financial aid application process.

Through the grant, counselors at the university will be provided updated training and materials to assist with finanical aid applications. In addition, an awareness rally will be held through Troy’s ACCESS, distance learning, labs across the state.

“During this time of particularly difficult economic hardship, Troy University is taking an aggressive approach toward making higher education more accessible to all students,” said Director of Instructional Support Services Marian Parker.

With funding available from the Alabama State Department of Education, the Opening Doors College Access Project is able to provide school staff and families they serve with information that will improve the students’ opportunity for an education.

“We think of it as providing opportunities for students who normally would not have the resources to go to college a choice,” said Wes Roberts, assistant director of financial aid.

Through the program, high school seniors are given a head start on the financial aid application process.

“We send out information to surrounding high schools so that counselors there can help us help the students who might not have normally thought about attending college,” Roberts said. “We hope to help start the cycle of going to college.”