TRIO Student Support Services
University of Colorado Denver TRIO Student Support Services (TRIO SSS) is a holistic student development program that’s dedicated to helping each student reach their full academic potential. We help students achieve their undergraduate degree and prepare for graduate school.
Student Impact
Students in the TRIO Student Support Services program are more than twice as likely to remain in college than those students from similar backgrounds who did not participate in the program. ~ Council for Opportunity in Education
TRIO History
TRIO began under President Lyndon B. Johnson’s “War on Poverty.”
Funding
Program funding and evaluation are based on the persistence and graduation rates of participating students.
Eligibility
The program is federally funded to serve 165 students annually and is available to students who meet the following criteria:
- Enrolled or accepted for enrollment at CU Denver as an undergraduate student
- First-generation college students, meaning neither parent has a four-year college degree
- Low-income college students as outlined by the Department of Education criteria
- Students with a documented disability
- Require academic support
- Citizens or permanent residents of the United States
Expectations of Participants
Once a student is accepted to participate in the program, the participant is expected to attend an orientation and fulfill the following requirements each semester:
- Meet with a peer mentor at least two times during the fall and spring semesters
- Meet with professional staff at least two times each semester
- Attend one skill building workshop during the fall and spring semesters
- Attend one financial literacy session each semester
Services
Participants receive comprehensive academic support services including academic coaching, course planning, tutorial services, study skills seminars, computerized study area, and graduate school information.
Success workshops are informative sessions that enhance students’ capacities for learning and foster academic, career, personal, and professional success.
Students receive guidance in academic and career exploration, including guidance on resume writing, interviewing, job search strategies, and other support that helps students plan a successful transition from the university setting to a rewarding career.
In collaboration with the CU Denver Financial Aid and Scholarships Office, we provide FAFSA workshops (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) to help students complete their financial aid application. Staff and peer mentors are also available to assist with the scholarship process.
Peer mentors provide a leadership perspective on how to navigate campus life. Through shared experiences, peer mentors will guide you to academic and personal success at CU Denver.
TRIO SSS provides the support needed to complete your studies. Our office also assists participants in maneuvering through the university system.
Students looking to achieve academic success in their courses are eligible for tutoring with the Learning Resources Center (LRC). The LRC’s central mission is to provide a collaborative learning environment that supports CU Denver students in their efforts to become independent learners, assisting in their academic success, retention, and graduation.
Students looking to expand their college experience beyond the classroom are welcomed to join us for a variety of social events designed to build community.