The U.S. Department of Education has denied an appeal seeking to restore promised federal funding for a program at University of Maine’s Farmington campus that supports low-income students in Oxford and Androscoggin counties.

The program, River Valley Upward Bound, was awarded a grant good for $309,505 annually in 2022 with the expectation that it would continue for five years.

The agency on Sept. 12 informed UMF and the University of Maine System that the grant would be ended two years early, claiming the program includes diversity and social justice programming that runs counter to Trump administration priorities.

An award to the University of Southern Maine’s Veterans Upward Bound program, the only program of its kind in the state, received a non-continuation notice the same day.

The University of Maine System appealed both non-continuances. A spokesperson disputed the education department’s claims, saying the River Valley program aligns with recent federal guidance.

The appeal for the USM program was successful, officials announced Tuesday.

However, the appeal for the River Valley program was unsuccessful, according to Samantha Warren, spokesperson for the University of Maine System.

River Valley Upward Bound, which started in 2012, is one of 2,800 “TRIO” programs nationally that provide support and mentoring to first-generation, low-income and disabled students hoping to go to college. TRIO consists of Upward Bound, Talent Search, Student Support Services, Veterans Upward Bound, Educational Opportunity Centers, Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement, Upward Bound Math-Science and Training Program for Federal TRIO Programs Staff.

The loss of the River Valley program will affect around 60 students a year, according to officials. UMF reported that last year’s cohort had a 100% high school graduation rate, compared with a statewide average of 88%.

The River Valley program serves six high schools: Mountain Valley in Rumford, Telstar in Bethel, Dirigo in Dixfield, Edward Little in Auburn, Oxford Hills Comprehensive in South Paris and Buckfield Junior/Senior.

Warren said the program serves communities with lower-than-average household incomes, graduation rates and reading and math proficiency.

It offers year-round academic advising, support with college and financial aid applications, career exploration, summer residential programs at UMF and a bridge week to prepare them for college.

As part of the program, students logged nearly 1,000 hours of community service in local organizations ranging from elder care to early childhood education.