TRIO Student Support Services (SSS)

TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) provides support and guidance to students during their time at Sandburg and helps participants transfer to a four-year college or university to pursue a bachelor’s degree. The TRIO staff is here to work alongside you to help you make your college experience a successful one! 

Our funding

TRIO SSS is 100% funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of Education. The total funding award for the 2022-23 academic year is $261,888.

 

TRIO SSS Application
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How Do I Qualify?

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.
TRIO SSS Services

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!
Frequently Asked Questions
  • 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 are paid for through a grant from the US Department of Education.

  • Who do I contact if I have questions?

    You may call the TRIO SSS office at (309) 341-5362, email (aburford@sandburg.edu), or stop by E-136 on the Galesburg Main Campus.
Ethics Statement & Discrimination Policy

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.


Discrimination Policy

The College, an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and educator, complies with applicable federal and state laws prohibiting discrimination, including Title VI, Title IX, Section 504, Age Discrimination Act, and Title II of the ADA. It is the policy of the College that no person, on the basis of race, color, religion, gender (sex), sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, or veteran’s status, shall be discriminated against in employment, in educational programs and activities, or in admissions. Title IX Coordinator Michelle Johnson, 309.341.5258; ADA/Section 504 Coordinator: Stefani Gillen, 309.341.5262

 

Contact Us

TRIO Student Support Services Office 
Location: Main Campus E136
Phone: 309.341.5362