TRIO Student Support Services

Participants in the TRIO SSS program must meet the following eligibility guidelines: 

• Be a United States citizen or permanent resident.
• Be a first-generation college student. This means that neither of your parents has a bachelor’s degree.
• Be income-eligible according to the federal income guidelines.
• Be enrolled on the Galesburg campus in an AA, AS or AFA degree program with the goal of graduating and transferring to a four-year college or university to obtain a bachelor’s degree.

 

We work hard to provide personalized support to our students with the following services: 

TRIO Connections Orientation

Held each August, the TRIO Connections Orientation is a day-long session that helps you meet other TRIO students and build your support network.

Academic advising & priority registration

Our TRIO SSS Advisor works with you to select classes to work toward your chosen major and meet degree requirements at Sandburg. TRIO students also get to register for classes early!

Transfer assistance

From beginning to end, we will help you with the transfer process with campus visits to four-year schools, assistance with researching transfer options, application fee waivers and more!
 

Financial aid & scholarship advising

Everyone needs help paying for college — whether they receive financial aid or not. The TRIO SSS staff can help explain the financial aid process and assist you in finding and obtaining scholarships.

Cultural activities

It's great to explore the world outside your doorstep. TRIO can help you get there! We host activities and trips that offer new cultural experiences.

Access to technology

TRIO SSS has laptops and scientific calculators that can be checked out…for free! We also have a spacious computer lab and study area where you can complete classwork. 

Career & major exploration

Through individual meetings, career assessments and job shadowing, we can help you explore potential majors and careers to create a roadmap for life after college.

Tutoring

The TRIO SSS program can connect you with the Tutoring Center and ensure you get the support you need to be successful.

Academic support

Do you want to get organized and study more effectively? We can provide individualized study tips, workshops and more to help you stay on track with your studies.

Financial literacy

Attending college is expensive and sometimes it's tough to set a budget. The TRIO SSS staff can help you understand how to use your financial resources wisely.

Peer mentoring

Sometimes, it's important to get a fellow student's perspective. That's why we connect all of our students with a peer mentor who can help guide you through your first year of college, and beyond.

Success skills & writing workshops

Through a series of fun workshops, we cover a variety of topics that help you make the most of your college experience and learn skills for success. We also offer special workshops to help you polish your writing skills!

• Can anyone participate in TRIO SSS?

  You must meet the eligibility criteria, file an application, and complete an interview to be accepted into the program.
  
  

• Why should I become a TRIO SSS student?

  The TRIO SSS program provides support and guidance to assist you in being successful at Sandburg and transferring to a four-year college or university. TRIO SSS students receive personalized support and opportunities not available to other students on campus.
  
  

• I am pretty busy. How much of my time will this take?

  We understand. Our services are flexible and can be scheduled on an individual basis. Our staff are available via text, video chats, phone, email or face-to-face. We like to have frequent contact with our students so that we can provide ongoing support. The more involved you are with TRIO, the more benefits you receive!
  
  

• If I join the program, who is my academic advisor?

  You will meet with the TRIO SSS Advisor for all your advising needs. You will receive assistance registering for classes, changing your schedule, planning your degree and much more.
  
  

• How much does it cost to join the program?

  Nothing! TRIO SSS services are free to our participants because they're paid for through a grant from the U.S. Department of Education.
  
  

• Who do I contact if I have questions?

  You may call the TRIO SSS office at 309.341.55497, email, or stop by E-136 on the Galesburg campus.

Ethics statement

The TRIO SSS staff strives to fulfill the mission of Carl Sandburg College and the TRIO Student Support Services program by meeting the needs of program participants and operating with ethical conduct. For more information, view the full TRIO SSS Ethics Statement.

Non-discrimination policy

Please refer to our non-discrimination policy for specific information. 

TRIO Student Support Services Office 
Galesburg campus, E136
309.341.5497  
 

• Program Director:
  • Dr. Stephen Descalzo
    sdescalzo@sandburg.edu
    309.341.5497

 

• Academic Advisor:
  • Erin Carder
    ecarder@sandburg.edu
    309.341.5305

 

• Academic Advisor:
  • Jordon Eason 
    jeason@sandburg.edu
    309.341.5362