TRiO Student Support Services

What is the TRiO/SSS Program?

Program Description

Through a grant competition, funds are awarded to institutions of higher education to provide opportunities for academic development, assist students with basic college requirements, and to motivate students toward the successful completion of their postsecondary education. Student Support Services (SSS) projects also may provide grant aid to current SSS participants who are receiving Federal Pell Grants. The goal of SSS is to increase the college retention and graduation rates of its participants.

Who is Eligible?

In addition to our regular tutoring services the ARC offers additional SSS to any student that meet the requirements below and participants must be a citizen of the United States of permanent residents.

Participant Eligibility for Program Services

To receive assistance, students must be enrolled or accepted for enrollment in a program of postsecondary education at a grantee institution (UMass Dartmouth). Low-income students who are first-generation college students and students with disabilities evidencing academic need are eligible to participate in SSS projects. Two-thirds of the participants in any SSS project must be either disabled or potential first-generation college students from low-income families. One-third of the disabled participants must also be low-income students.

Participant Eligibility for Grant Aid

To receive SSS program grant aid, students must be current participants in the SSS project who are in their first two years of postsecondary education and receiving Federal Pell Grants. Grant aid may be offered to students who have completed their first two years of postsecondary education and are receiving Federal Pell Grants if the institution demonstrates that these students are at high risk of dropping out and it has first met the needs of all its eligible first and second-year students.

Links

There will be times that you will need assistance while attending this University. Our goal is to focus on the personal success of all eligible students. Why not take advantage of the wide range of activities we offer free of charge to eligible students. The SSS Specialist fosters a one-on-one approach to guarantee the success of a first-generation or low-income student.

If you are a freshman at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth or transferring in from another college or a current student, contact the SSS Specialist to become part of the Student Support Services Program.