What Is TRIO-Student Support Service?
OUR MISSION STATEMENT:
Promoting academic and personal growth through comprehensive support and genuine care.
Welcome!
Welcome to TRIO- Student Support Services!
For many of our students, TRIO-SSS becomes a home away from home. We're more than a program - we're a partnership dedicated to your academic success, personal growth, and journey to graduation. Born out of the Civil Rights-era Economic Opportunity Act of 1964, TRIO programs were among the first national initiatives to address systemic barriers to higher education. Today, TRIO encompasses three core services: SSS (our program), Upward Bound, and Talent Search - together serving students from middle school through college graduation.
While the University offers many wonderful resources, TRIO-SSS provides personalized, long-term support specifically for first-generation college students, low-income students, and students with disabilities. At UM, we've been delivering this mission for nearly 60 years!
TRIO-SSS is 100% funded by the U.S. Department of Education, and there are 15 TRIO-SSS programs in Montana. As well as, nearly 1200 across the U.S. and its territories.
Why TRIO:
- Bachelor's degree holders earn $1.2M more over their lifetime than high school graduates
- TRIO students are 3x more likely to complete college than low-income peers not in TRIO
- Nationally proven model TRIO SSS programs show 85% persistence rates (students continuing year-to-year)
- 375 students served annually at UM through our $504,749 federal grant
- Closes achievement gaps by providing wrap-around support: TRIO serves populations with historically lower graduation rates
How do WE TRIO?
Our exclusive service we offer to our active participants include:
- ✓ Personal, One-on-one academic & career advising
- ✓ Free textbook & technology loans
- ✓ FAFSA & financial aid guidance
- ✓ Tutoring & graduate school prep
- ✓ Graduation fee waivers & free cap/gown rentals
- ✓ Sense of Community, fun events and learning workshops!
For a more in depth look at our service visit our services page.
TRIO SSS at the University of Montana is also a proud affiliate partner with Aspire and its Montana Chapter; the Council for Opportunity in Education. Find out more about our partners below!
Welcome to TRIO Student Support Services!
Learn more about our eligibility requirements and APPLY!
TRIO SSS is funded annually by the U.S. Goverment. The current budget is $504,749.
