KEENE, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) Keene State College is among the higher education institutions in New Hampshire set to receive a long-delayed boost in federal funding for student support programs. More than $1 million is being released through the TRIO initiative, the U.S. Department of Education confirmed Thursday, following months of advocacy from Congresswoman Maggie Goodlander.

The funding had been stalled under the Trump administration, part of a larger pool of federal education dollars that were withheld or canceled earlier this year, according to a news release. TRIO programs, which provide academic and career support for first-generation, low-income, and underrepresented students, play a vital role at Keene State and other campuses across the state.

“This progress is welcome news for students and educators at Keene State College who rely on these services,” Goodlander said in the release. “But our fight is not over. Millions in promised federal funding are still outstanding, and I won’t stop until every dollar is restored.”

The decision follows weeks of public pressure, legal filings, and direct appeals by Goodlander and New Hampshire’s congressional delegation. While the release of the $1 million allocation marks a step forward, state officials note that additional resources—especially those cut from other programs such as GEAR Up—remain tied up in appeals.

Earlier this year, Goodlander pushed for the release of nearly $7 billion in federal education funds nationwide, with $27 million ultimately directed to New Hampshire schools and colleges. Keene State, along with Plymouth State University and the University of New Hampshire, has been identified as a direct beneficiary of the newly restored funds.