TRIO is a group of programs funded by the Federal Government and the Student Support Services is one of the programs in TRIO. The Student Support Services is designed to help college students stay in college and graduate. It provides a support system for students and a wide range of free services and activities.
TRIO does have have an eligibility criteria. Participants must be enrolled at Sinclair and be United States citizens or permanent residents. Participants must meet at least one of the following eligibility criteria according to the Sinclair website: Neither of the student’s parents has a four-year degree, the taxable income of the student’s family does not exceed the federally determined level or the student has a documented disability.
The students enrolled in the program have given some overall positive feedback about the program.
“I’ve been here since 2012 and without this program I probably would have dropped out because I get a lot of help,” exclaimed Gail McGarvey, who is a student in the program.
For students who need help but are scared to ask, India Lett, another student in the program, gave some advice.
“Don’t be afraid to ask for help because it will be so beneficial in the long run,” she said.
The Student Support Services program has been helping students at Sinclair since 1997. The program is grant funded so there is an application process. You can pick up an application at the Student Support Services office located in Building 10, on the fourth floor.
If the student is eligible to be a part of the program, then they have access to a wide variety of free services. A counselor will meet with the student to discuss what is available for the them and also to discuss needs and goals for the future. This allows the program to know how they can help the student meet those goals and needs.
Some of the services that students are not aware of that are available in the program are how they provide a home away from home. The office provides areas where they can use computers, meet with a tutor or counselor, and also quiet areas to study. The program also provides opportunities for the student to meet and visit with 4-year schools. It also allows the program to help the student with the transfer process.
Another service the program provides is field-trip type days. The program may take the students to a museum, ballet or to go watch a play. Finally, the program also provides a textbook loan program. They have a point system where the student must meet with a tutor or go on a field trip, or study. This awards the student a point and they eventually can redeem the points for school supplies.
For more information about the program or to pick up an application, visit the Student Support Services office on the fourth floor of Building 10.
Claudia Gomez
Reporter