TRIO SSS

Spoon River College TRIO/Student Support Services

Mission Statement

The mission of Spoon River College TRIO Student Support Services is to provide our students with academic support and personal guidance in successfully completing a program of study at the college and additional assistance in transitioning to a four-year college or university.

Program Purpose

TRIO/Student Support Services (SSS) is a federally funded program designed to help students overcome social, academic, class, and cultural barriers in higher education. The program fosters a supportive environment by promoting academic and personal success and providing personalized assistance.

SRC’s TRIO staff work diligently with the students who are low income, first generation college students, or students with disabilities. Our goals are to promote good academic standing of our students, and increase the number of participants graduating and transferring to four year universities.

Spoon River College’s TRIO participants are provided with personalized advising, resources, and learning opportunities such as; supplemental instruction and academic or financial workshops that enhance their overall college experience. Our staff strives to provide educational and personal guidance to inspire our students and motivate them for continued success.

Who should become a TRIO student?

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All participants must be:

A United States citizen or permanent resident
Enrolled in a Spoon River College program and planning on transferring to a four-year college or university
Additionally, students may qualify for the TRIO-SSS program in one of three ways:

-Be a first-generation college student (neither parent has a 4-year college degree)

-Be considered a low-income student according to federal guidelines. To view income

guidelines, click here http://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ope/trio/incomelevels.html

-Have a documented physical or learning disability

What are the benefits of being a TRIO student?

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We offer:

Specialized Orientation Program
Academic Enrichment Workshops
Supplemental Basic Skills Instruction with our Instructional Specialists in Reading, Writing, and Math
Intensive Academic Advising & Course Selection Assistance
Individual Learning Plans
Degree, Grade, and Attendance Monitoring
Financial Aid Exploration & Assistance
Assistance in Completing FAFSA & Other Aid/Scholarship Forms
Financial/Economic Literacy Education
Grant Aid to Supplement any Unmet Financial Need (to those who qualify)
Advisement on Transferring to a Four-Year College/University
Campus Visits to Prospective Transfer Colleges
Career Exploration, Planning, and Advising
Off-Campus Cultural Activities
Appropriate Accommodations for Students with Special Needs
Referrals to Local Agencies
Textbook Library
Instructional Aides
Exclusive for our Students-Printing privileges within the TRIO-SSS Office

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How long does the program last?

The program lasts from the time you are accepted till the time you graduate and transfer to a four year college! We can help to make your college experience more efficient and successful through tutoring, advising, and degree monitoring. You will have opportunities to attend academic enrichment workshops on a wide range of useful topics including time management, study skills, and stress management. You also will become more knowledgeable about a variety of financial topics, including financial aid exploration, scholarships, creating a budget, and paying off debt. We will help you plan for your future through transfer advising, tours of four-year colleges, and career advising. We can even make sure you have fun along the way by taking you to cultural activities, such as plays, musical performances, and museums.

How to apply?

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Application/ Intake Process (interview/ILP, etc.)

The application process begins with the Student Support Services Application. You can download and print the application from here, or obtain a paper application by visiting Room 214 located on the top floor of Spoon River College, on the Macomb campus.

TRIO/SSS Application SRC-web version.pdf

Completed applications can be dropped off in Room 214 or mailed to: Spoon River College, Attn: Jennifer Cunningham, 208 S. Johnson Street, Macomb, IL 61455. After submitting your application, you will be contacted to make an appointment for an intake interview with the Program Director and Program Advisor. The interview lasts approximately 60 minutes.

How will I know I’m accepted?

You will be notified by email when you are accepted into the program. The email will include the contact information for the Project Advisor. The next step will be to make an appointment with her to create your Individual Learning Plan.