“Be among the first to achieve”
TRIO Scholars is student support services funded by a federal grant to serve students who are first in their families to earn a bachelors degree, using accommodations to access their learning and classrooms, or using a larger amount of financial aid to attend university. TRIO is a department that amplifies and intensifies many services found on campus and focuses specifically on helping students sign up for classes, navigate financial aid, FAFSA, and economic literacy, as well as amplifies tutoring and exploration of graduate school. Additionally, TRIO Scholars teaches COL 123, a UMA first-year initiative class worth 3 credits, and SSC 317 a Leadership Seminar worth 3 credits that TRIO students may access at no cost.
United States Department of Education TRIO Student Support Services
TRIO SSS Eligibility Criteria
Through a grant competition, funds are awarded to institutions of higher education to provide opportunities for academic development, assist students with basic college requirements, and to motivate students toward the successful completion of their post-secondary education. Student Support Services (SSS) projects also may provide grant aid to current SSS participants who are receiving Federal Pell Grants. The goal of SSS is to increase the college retention and graduation rates of its participants. Link: https://www2.ed.gov/programs/triostudsupp
To enroll in TRIO SSS you must be a citizen or permanent resident of the United States and meet at least one of the following:
- Be a “First Generation” student in college,
- Meet Federal income guidelines for financial aid, or
- Have a documented disability.
TRIO SSS Purpose
TRIO is a student support program that provides a sense of community and empowers students to achieve their educational and personal goals.
United States Department of Education
“Our mission is to promote student achievement and preparation for global competitiveness by fostering educational excellence and ensuring equal access.”
The US DOE Office of Post-secondary Education works to strengthen the capacity of colleges and universities to promote reform, innovation, and improvement in post-secondary education, promote and expand access to post-secondary education and increase college completion rates for America’s students, and broaden global competencies that drive the economic success and competitiveness of our Nation.
TRIO SSS Services
All SSS projects must provide: academic tutoring, which may include instruction in reading, writing, study skills, mathematics, science, and other subjects; advice and assistance in post-secondary course selection, assist student with information on both the full range of student financial aid programs, benefits and resources for locating public and private scholarships; and assistance in completing financial aid applications. Education or counseling services designed to improve the financial and economic literacy and assist students in applying for admission to graduate and professional programs; and assist students enrolled in two-year institutions and applying for admission to, and obtaining financial assistance for enrollment in four-year programs. The SSS projects may also provide individualized counseling for personal, career, and academic information, activities, and instruction designed to acquaint students with career options; exposure to cultural events and academic programs not usually available; mentoring programs, securing temporary housing during breaks for students who are homeless youths and students who are in foster care or are aging out of the foster care system.
