TRIO Student Support Services

A student is eligible to participate in TRIO Student Support Services if the students meets all of the following requirements:

1. Is a citizen or national of the United States or meets the residency requirements for Federal student financial assistance.
2. Is enrolled at the grantee institution or accepted for enrollment in the next academic term at that institution.
3. Has a need for academic support, as determined by the grantee, in order to pursue successfully a postsecondary educational program.
4. Is –A low-income individual; A first generation college student; or An individual with disabilities.

(Code of Federal Regulations, Title 34 – Education, 646.3)

TRIO Student Support Services projects must provide the following services

• academic tutoring; advice and assistance in postsecondary course selection
• information on Federal student financial aid programs and benefits and resources for locating scholarships
• assistance in completing financial aid applications, services to improve financial and economic literacy of students
• activities to assist participants in applying to graduate and professional programs.

TRIO Student Support Services projects may provide the following services:

• individualized counseling for personal, career, and academic matters
• information and activities to acquaint students with career options
• exposure to cultural events and academic programs not usually available to disadvantaged students
• mentoring programs
• other activities designed for students traditionally underrepresented in postsecondary education.
• extended tutoring hours
• priority hiring for student employment
• additional opportunities for one-on-one and small-group engagement with SSS staff

TRIO Scholars at PSU is a community made up of college students from all years and professional staff members. TRIO helps students acclimate to college, develop life skills, create connections, improve academics, and become hardworking participants in society. Our program at PSU is very much like a family, and we are always looking to make our members feel welcome. Our mentors are certified through the College Reading and Learning Association’s International Peer Educator Training Program.
 

Benefits

Peer Mentoring

We pair first-year students with experienced, trained returning students so that the first-years always have a resource to help them adjust, learn about PSU, and figure out life as a college student. Mentors meet with their mentees at least once a week to check in and help in any way they can.

Advising

Each student is also paired with a professional staff member who serves as their academic advisor. Students meet with their advisors every other week to cover a variety of topics and needs, such as registering for classes, financial aid, paying their bill, and more.

Tutoring

Students may have one-on-one tutoring, group sessions, and study skills support – all of which is free for participants.  In fact, students who participate in TRIO scholars receive extended tutoring hours. TRIO Scholars can be matched with a College Reading and Learning Associated-trained Study Skills tutor to help them create a schedule, set priorities, manage their time, and meet other academic demands.

Financial Aid Assistance

Many students have a hard time navigating their financial aid packages.  Our advisors help TRIO Scholars fill out financial aid applications, locate available scholarships, and understand their financial and economic standing.

Graduate School Assistance

TRIO Scholars supports those who choose to continue their education.  We assist with selecting the right program and institution, the application process, and obtaining financial assistance for enrollment in graduate programs.

Cultural & Academic Activities

Museums, theatrical productions, city tours, sporting events, zip lines, painting classes, hiking, concerts, and ice-skating: these are just a few of the cultural, social, and academic activities our students experience as part of the TRIO Scholars program.