TRIO - A Unique Approach to Serving Students

When I was working in college admissions, I became aware of several Iowa high school TRIO programs. I was very impressed with the variety of ways the TRIO programs helped their students to connect with colleges and universities. It was great to see TRIO students participate in different post-secondary exploration activities, including college fairs and college visit days. 

Working with high school TRIO programs inspired me to want to learn more about TRIO - Student Support Services (SSS), which is a college-level, federally funded program designed to serve college students who are first-generation, low-income, or have a verified disability. TRIO-SSS is all about student success! 

Student Support Services (SSS) strives to increase college retention and graduation rates by providing students with a variety of services, including academic tutoring, assistance with course selection, study skills development, information regarding scholarship opportunities, and assistance with the financial aid process. Other services may include personal, academic, and career counseling, and activities that offer access to educational, social, and cultural events. 

Since I have been with ICAN, I have had the opportunity to work with numerous college students who have had positive experiences with TRIO-SSS. It’s definitely a program that should be on the radar of college-bound students, parents, and school counselors. 

To find out if a college or university offers TRIO - Student Support Services (SSS), contact the institution directly and/ or research their website. You can also research TRIO-SSS programs in Iowa by searching the Iowa TRIO Program Directory. Select the TRIO-SSS program you are interested in to find out more information about program contacts and eligibility requirements. 

TRIO - Student Support Services (SSS) helps students succeed in college! 


 Troy - ICAN Central Iowa Advisor