Helping Students Overcome Barriers to Higher Education

TRiO Student Support Services is a counseling program for first generation and low-income students whose educational goal is to receive an Associate’s degree and transfer to a four-year university. TRiO can also support students interested in certificate programs. From workshops to transfer assistance, TRiO offers an array of support services, information, and motivation to its students.

Services

Priority Registration
Students will likely get the courses of their choice each semester by being allowed to register early.

Academic Counseling
Receive one-on-one counseling. Develop a student educational plan based on your major, and receive support for your academic needs.

Transfer Counseling
One-on-one counseling focused on transfer requirements and admission deadlines at the university level.

Tutoring
TRiO will support you with academic tutoring.

Financial Literacy
Maximize your finances so that you can achieve your academic and financial goals.

Campus Tours
Free field trips to four-year universities. Transportation and food included!

Workshops
TRiO offers workshops that teach academic, financial and personal success.

Book Voucher
Students that complete their semester requirements will receive financial textbook help in the form of a book voucher in the Sierra College Bookstore.

Mentor Program
TRiO students gain extra guidance from faculty members through the Sierra College Mentor Program.

Technology Check Out
Students can check out laptops, scientific and graphing calculators, flashcards, and workbooks for school use.

Multicultural Events
TRiO takes field trips to special off-campus events that are geared at broadening student’s perspectives on other cultures.

Networking
Connect with other students like you who want to be successful in college and in life.

Eligibility

You must meet the following minimum qualifications to join TRiO:

  • first generation students (neither parent has obtained a four-year degree or higher) AND
  • low income* OR
  • documented disability

* TRiO can serve a small percentage of students who don’t meet the low income requirement. Contact TRiO for more information.

Student Responsibilities

All TRiO students are required to do the following as part of the program:

  • Meet with a TRiO counselor three times each semester
  • Follow a current My Academic Plan (MAP)
  • Maintain a 2.0 GPA
  • Attend TRiO New Student Orientation
  • Attend one workshop
  • Complete financial literacy assignment

How to Apply

Complete the Special Programs Common Application for EOPS, Guardian Scholars, NextUp and TRiO Services.

TRiO was like my backbone. I joined the program my second semester at Sierra. They kept me on track with my courses and also cared about me personally.

Nadia Delgado Toledo, Biochemistry Major and TRiO Graduate

Meet TRiO Alumni

Dishan Perera
Engineer Major and TRiO Graduate

“Readjusting to college life and succeeding in what I wanted to achieve at Sierra was not easy. TRiO helped me to get a plan going for myself to finish the classes I needed to graduate and transfer to San Jose State University.”

Hawa Kaba
Biology Major and TRiO Graduate

“TRiO can answer any question that you might have. The staff at TRiO will always make you feel comfortable, and they will be as efficient as they can.

My best memories are from my TRiO graduation to my Sierra graduation. I finally was able to see the result of my three years of work.”

Nadia Delgado Toledo
Biochemistry Major and TRiO Graduate

“My experience was not a straight path. There were many fall backs and obstacles, and it will likely be like this for most other students. I would say: Maintain your determination and create a support system by joining programs like TRiO.

TRiO was like my backbone. I joined the program my second semester at Sierra. They kept me on track with my courses and also cared about me personally.”