TRIO-Student Support Services

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TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) is a federally funded Title IV grant program through the U.S. Department of Education. It is designed to support students who are first-generation, low-income, or have a documented disability. The program fosters an institutional climate that supports the success of eligible students and aims to increase their retention, graduation, transfer rates, and financial literacy.

Big Bend Community College has hosted a TRIO SSS Classic grant since 1997 and expanded its support in 2020 by adding a TRIO SSS STEM grant. Each year, the TRIO SSS Program at BBCC serves 310 eligible students—including 120 students through the STEM grant—with a goal of helping them achieve success in college. Services include:

  • Academic tutoring

  • Academic progress monitoring

  • Financial aid assistance (including FAFSA and scholarship applications)

  • Success workshops

  • Financial and economic literacy education

  • Academic, transfer, career, and personal advising

To be eligible, students must:

  • Be enrolled or accepted for enrollment at X Community College

  • Be a U.S. citizen or national, or meet federal student aid residency requirements

  • Be a high school graduate

  • Have academic need

  • Meet at least one of the following criteria:

    • First-generation college student (neither parent nor primary caregiver has earned a bachelor's degree)

    • Low-income, as defined by federal income guidelines

    • Student with a documented disability, as defined in Section 12102 of the Americans with Disabilities Act and verified by the BBCC Accommodations office

While students from all associate degree programs are welcome, priority is given to those who are first-generation and low-income or have a documented disability and who plan to transfer to a four-year institution.

The TRIO SSS program is 100% federally funded on a five-year grant cycle. Big Bend Community College receives:

  • $335,053 annually for the TRIO SSS Classic grant, serving 190 participants

  • $261,888 annually for the TRIO SSS STEM grant, serving 120 participants

For more information, email TRIO_SSS@bigbend.edu, visit the first floor of the 1400 Building, or call 509-793-2040.