TRiO Student Support Services is a federally-funded program, administered by the Department of Education, aimed at encouraging eligible students to complete their college degrees. Eligibility includes first-generation college students, those meeting federal income guidelines, students with documented disabilities, and all must be pursuing a four-year degree from the Columbia College day program.
TRiO SSS offers a life-coaching approach to advisement, offering eligible students additional support for challenges inside and outside the classroom. The focus is on student development and guidance, helping students to be proactive in their learning and in life.
Current Columbia College Students can access the TRIO SSS Application by logging into MyPortal, navigating to Student Forms, and then click on Apply to TRIO Student Support Services.
Qualifications
Students who may qualify for the program include:
- First-generation college students (neither parent earned a four-year baccalaureate degree)
- Students who meet federal income guidelines
- Students with documented physical, learning or mental health disabilities
Students must be working toward a four-year degree from Columbia College day program to access these services.
Services
Students qualifying for TRiO services receive free tutoring, mentoring, and educational workshops, as well as career support. TRiO SSS also provides Grant Aid opportunities to students. These funds can be applied to tuition costs, room & board and other college expenses, and do not need to be repaid upon graduation. Eligible students have exclusive access to 1-on-1 tutoring, a computer lab, study lounges and more. Incoming students have additional support through our Peer Mentor Program.
