Vincennes University secures almost $1.71 million in federal funding to expand Project ASPIREE across Southern Indiana

Vincennes University has announced it has been awarded a nearly $1.71 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education to continue and expand its Federal TRIO Talent Search program, Project ASPIREE (Achieving Success through Participation In Reaching Educational Excellence). 

This five-year federal investment ensures that 683 students annually across Daviess, Martin, Sullivan, Lawrence, and Pike counties receive individual, comprehensive support to prepare for, apply to, and succeed in postsecondary education. The grant amounts to $341,500 annually.

The grant expands VU’s dedicated outreach footprint in Southern Indiana. While Daviess, Martin, and Sullivan counties were previously served, the newly awarded grant extends full services into Pike and Lawrence counties.

Project ASPIREE provides free, year-round assistance to middle and high school students, adult learners, and individuals seeking workforce re-entry—guiding them toward two-year and four-year degree pathways, technical certificates, apprenticeships, and trade credentials aligned with regional industry needs.

“Over the last 25 years, we’ve watched Talent Search participants grow from uncertain middle schoolers into local doctors, teachers, engineers, and community leaders,” said Kimberly Fields, Director of Project ASPIREE Talent Search at VU. “Securing this funding means 683 students each year will continue to have a dedicated mentor in their corner, helping them translate their talent into real, life-changing credentials.”

The award was secured through the Department of Education’s highly competitive FY 2026 Talent Search competition. National advocacy led by the Council for Opportunity in Education (COE), alongside bipartisan congressional champions, helped preserve critical funding continuity for essential local programs like Project ASPIREE.

VU President Dr. Chuck Johnson said, “Vincennes University has always believed that educational opportunity should be within reach for every student, and that there is no single path to success. Whether that path leads to an apprenticeship, a technical credential, an associate degree, or a bachelor’s degree, Project ASPIREE helps students understand their options and take the steps necessary to pursue them. By reaching students where they live and helping them build a path toward further education and a meaningful career, this program develops young people while strengthening the communities VU serves.”

Through Project ASPIREE, VU continues its longstanding commitment to expanding educational and career opportunities throughout Southern Indiana, helping individuals identify pathways to postsecondary education and training that can lead to meaningful careers and brighter futures.