TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) is a federally funded program that provides academic, personal, and career support to first-generation college students, students from low-income backgrounds, and students with disabilities. The goal is to help students persist, graduate, and achieve their academic and professional aspirations.

Eligible students must meet at least one of the following criteria:

• Be a first-generation college student (neither parent/guardian has a four-year degree)
• Come from a low-income household (as defined by federal guidelines)
• Have a documented disability

Students can apply by completing the TRIO SSS application, which is available on the program's webpage or at the TRIO SSS office. After submitting an application, students will be contacted for an intake meeting to determine eligibility.

Nothing! TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) is completely free for eligible students. Since it is a federally funded program, there are no costs for participating in TRIO SSS services, including tutoring, mentoring, workshops, career development, academic advising, and more.

The primary goal of TRIO SSS is to guide and assist scholars in achieving academic success, persisting through college, and ultimately, in receiving a Bachelor’s degree within six years of the college enrollment date. Typically, participants connect with TRIO SSS during their first year at Saint Peter’s University and remain in the program until they graduate. Continuing students who are upperclassmen at Saint Peter’s University are also eligible and encouraged to apply.

The time commitment for TRIO SSS largely depends on you—it could be just a few hours each semester or a few hours each week. However, scholars are required to:

• Attend at least two (2) SSS student success workshops or events per semester.
• Meet with their assigned TRIO SSS Academic Advisor once a month (in person, virtually, or by phone).
  • Meeting once a month with their assigned advisor helps students set and track short- and long-term goals, address any personal, career, or academic challenges, and celebrate their successes along the way.

We also have an open-door policy, and students often stop by just to say hello. Additionally, we host Fall and Spring Kickoff Town Halls to update students on important program and university-wide information.

TRIO SSS offers meetings, workshops, supplemental tutoring resources, and events to support your academic success at Saint Peter’s University and beyond.

Yes! TRIO SSS provides financial literacy workshops to help students manage their finances, apply for scholarships, and understand financial aid. Eligible TRIO SSS participants may apply for grant aid to assist with tuition costs if financial need is determined by the Financial Aid Office and the TRIO SSS Director. Funding is limited each year, and eligible students will receive a separate application to be considered for grant aid.

Yes! TRIO SSS offers ED-102: Dynamics of College Learning and ED-103: Career Development, both one-credit courses that count toward graduation.

• ED-102: Dynamics of College Learning provides students with essential tools and resources to navigate their first year successfully.
• ED-103: Career Development introduces students to Career Launch, an 8-step method designed to enhance their social capital and professional communication skills. Upon completion, students receive a certificate of achievement, equipping them with the confidence to engage with employers and secure volunteer or internship opportunities.