TRIO Student Support Services

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About Us

TRIO Student Support Services (TRIO SSS) is a federally funded grant program that provides support in academics, financial literacy, career development, and graduate school readiness to eligible full-time undergraduate students. Our TRIO SSS students work with staff and peer mentors to identify individual goals and develop the success strategies they need to accomplish those goals.

TRIO SSS is a supportive environment that fosters the academic and professional development of each student. TRIO SSS students establish a supportive community early in their journey at ACU through intentional opportunities to connect with other students who share similar goals within our program. We honor the overall mission of TRIO SSS programs across the country — to retain and graduate the scholars we serve.

Mission

TRIO Student Support Services is committed to the success of our eligible students. Our mission is to empower you to:

  • Develop the positive skills, knowledge and attributes needed to complete a bachelor’s degree
  • Achieve your potential for academic success and career readiness
  • Graduate as a well-rounded, skilled and self-actualized professional ready to lead and serve in global society

Objectives

We provide exclusive services to 140 scholars each year, supporting their efforts toward academic success and graduation:

  • 68% of participants will progress from one academic year to the beginning of the next (or complete their degree)
  • 79% of participants will maintain good academic standing at ACU
  • 56% of new participants served each year will graduate from ACU with a bachelor’s degree or equivalent within six years.

This grant has been 100% federally funded by the United States Department of Education to serve 140 students annually in the amount of $272,364 per year for a period of five years.

TRIO SSS offers many services at no cost to our students. Continue on to see if you might qualify to join us as a TRIO SSS student at ACU.

Services Available to TRIO SSS Students

  • First Year Experience: Freshmen are paired with a student mentor who helps them transition into college and navigate the student experience.
  • Academic Coaching: Students work with an academic coach to understand learning styles, build study skills and enhance test-taking abilities.
  • Tutoring: Students have access to Tutor.com at no cost to them.
  • Financial Coaching: Students receive assistance applying for the Free Application for Financial Aid (FAFSA), build financial life skills and literacy, and have access to exclusive SSS scholarship opportunities.
  • Career and Graduate School Planning and Preparation: Students receive academic mentorship for graduate school preparation, access to graduate school tour opportunities, career development assistance and resume building instruction. 

Application Process

Eligibility

To be a TRIO SSS Student, a student enrolled full-time must be a U.S. citizen (or eligible noncitizen) in need of academic support. Additionally, the U.S. Department of Education requires scholars to meet one or more of the following conditions:

How to Apply

Complete the TRIO Student Support Services Student Application at the button below and a staff member will follow up by email. Please complete the form in its entirety.

TRIO SSS Student Application

Frequently Asked Questions

The TRIO SSS program provides successful individualized support and offers a wide range of beneficial services specific to each student’s needs. All events and workshops are designed to help you achieve your academic and professional goals!

TRIO SSS is funded through the Department of Education for eligible students. There is no cost to be enrolled as a TRIO SSS student. In addition to eligibility requirements, students are expected to actively take advantage of the resources provided by TRIO SSS.

The time commitment for TRIO SSS largely depends on individual needs and is based on the success plan developed with the TRIO Staff. However, all TRIO SSS students are required to meet with their TRIO Student Success Coach or TRIO Advisor at least three times and participate in one success workshop each semester.

Typically, participants connect with TRIO SSS during their first year and remain in the program until they graduate. You are encouraged to utilize the TRIO SSS services provided through graduation. However, you may join or leave the program at any time.  Transfer students are also welcome and encouraged to apply!

Eligible students can begin the application process by completing the initial application and needs assessment. Once eligibility is determined, the applicant will receive directions to schedule an intake interview with the TRIO SSS staff to discuss the student’s program of study, goals and individualized academic plan. 

TRIO SSS Student Ambassadors

The TRIO SSS Student Ambassador Program encourages the active participation of its students to achieve the program’s goal of increasing retention and graduation rates of first-generation students, income-eligible students and students with disabilities. A select number of TRIO SSS scholars will earn experience in leadership, mentoring, event planning, project management, group facilitation and professionalism while making a positive impact on other program participants.

Minimum Requirements and Expectations

TRIO SSS Student Ambassadors are required to:

  • Have participated in the TRIO SSS program at Abilene Christian University for at least one academic year
  • Be a full-time student and maintain good academic standing with ACU
  • Attend and assist with TRIO SSS events and activities
  • Be a team player with a positive and enthusiastic attitude
  • Respect diversity and be willing to learn about other cultures
  • Arrive on time to all scheduled meetings/events or notify TRIO SSS staff of conflicts in a timely manner
  • Become acquainted with and maintain contact with all assigned TRIO SSS Scholars
  • Host one event/activity each month with assigned group
  • Commit to the TRIO SSS Student Ambassador Program for at least one academic year (fall and spring)

Important Benefits

  • Opportunity to develop leadership skills and a professional resume
  • Personal development and socialization
  • Experience in public relations, oral communication and confidence building
  • Professional networking opportunities
  • Satisfaction of being involved in a dynamic, supportive team
  • Obtain volunteer hours
  • Leadership training and conferences

Meet the TRIO SSS Team

Amanda Hamilton, M.Ed

Project Director
adb04a@acu.edu

Carolina Rodriguez, MS, LPC

Project Advisor/Student Success Coach
acr18a@acu.edu

Alicia Daniels

Student Success Advisor
add25b@acu.edu

Contact Us

The TRIO Student Support Services program is located in the Hardin Administration Building, Suite 119, on the Abilene Christian University main campus.

The program hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

All services are available exclusively to enrolled and active TRIO SSS students. ACU students interested in becoming a TRIO SSS student should complete an TRIO SSS Application or meet with the TRIO SSS director to determine program eligibility.

For more information, please contact us at sss@acu.edu or (325) 674-2415.

Resources for Students

Free Application for Federal Student Aid