MORE IN THIS SECTION
dropdown close

TRIO-SSS is a program designed to help students Achieve their Maximum Potential at Mid Michigan College.

College is better with an ally. We've got you covered.

If you are interested in amping up your college experience—completing college faster and more affordably, connecting to a meaningful career, or transferring seamlessly to another college or university—we've got you covered. We can help you complete your degree by removing barriers that you may encounter along the way.

Maximize

  • Academic advising and scheduling
  • College success
  • Financial return on investment
  • Career exploration and preparation
  • Professional development
  • Your experience here at Mid

TRIO-SSS can make college simpler by connecting you to people who can help. Whether you need assistance with juggling life's demands, college coursework, or you want to connect with other students and exciting opportunities, we've got you covered.

What do students say about TRIO-SSS?

"I definitely think that so far TRIO is an amazing program helping students get through college! The times have been hard lately and everyone needs a little boost and happiness in their lives, TRIO makes you feel like a small family and helps guide you throughout your mid college life! What a great way to get students involved and noticed! TRIO is awesome, and the leaders are even better!"

"I came from a small town and TRIO gave me the chance to see more than just what my small town offered. I was able to visit any college I wanted in Michigan. I was able to even see colleges in Chicago and New York. This program helped me not only choose my degree and university, but also supported me through that journey and my own personal journeys."

"My first year with Mid I did not understand the college "lingo". I was just going with the flow but I really had no idea what I was doing and I felt lost. Now that I have been a part of the TRIO program they have helped me understand what I need to do to get where I want to be."

Emma James

Program: Medical Assistant Emma James (Remus), a first-generation college student in Mid’s Medical Assistant Program who also participates in the College’s TRIO Student Support Services (TRIO SSS) program, was recently nominated for and received an Academic Progress Scholarship to help further her studies from the Michigan College Access Programs and Personnel (MI-CAPP). Students must be nominated by TRIO professionals at their college and write an essay. TRIO professionals from across the State of Michigan then come together to determine the scholarship recipients, and this year saw a very competitive applicant pool. “TRIO and this scholarship mean more and more to me each year as I continue my education,” shared James. “TRIO has helped me tremendously and the supportive staff is always there when I need them. From finding scholarships, understanding financial aid, and registering for courses, the TRIO team has helped me with everything.”

emma-james-trio.jpg

Lindsey Beutler

Program: Medical Assistant Please share any thoughts you may have about your graduation: I am excited and nervous. I have worked really had to get to where I am now. It has taken me a few years to complete my schooling but it has meant so much. As a mother, wife, and working two jobs getting to this point is so rewarding. If you really work hard at something you can accomplish it. I am excited to see where I can go from here. I may be coming back to earn another degree soon. How have you benefited from being in the TRIO program? Yes, I think this program has been great. I haven't gone on any of the trips and what not but I know if I have any questions or help with anything they have always been there to help.

lindsey-beutler-trio.png

Tori Boynton

Program: Liberal Studies Please share any thoughts you may have about your graduation: I can't believe I've made it this far. This journey has been very empowering because of the many obstacles I have overcome. I was at a very low point my life and trying to get back on my feet by doing something that would better my future. I feel accomplished that I have almost met my goal I set for myself. By reaching my goal I have felt even more empowered to go further in my degree. How have you benefited from being in the TRIO program? The TRIO program has been a lifesaver in that they were there every step of the way when I needed encouragement or extra support. I liked how they make you feel like family and you know you can always count on them to help when you need it. Future Plans: Transfer to CMU

tori-boynton-trio.png

Tara Brown

Program: Liberal Studies Please share any thoughts you may have about your graduation: I got over several obstacles. Like homelessness. How have you benefited from being in the TRIO program? Yes I have. I appreciate all the help and support. Future Plans: Transfer to CMU to become a teacher.

tara-brown-trio.png

Devin Daniels

Program: Graphic Design Please share any thoughts you may have about your graduation: After getting out of the military I didn’t know how well I was going to be able to transition into the civilian world especially college. But surprisingly the staff here at Mid really made it a smooth and easy experience . The professors here understand that we are all separate individuals who have different ways to learn and they Truly strive to make it as simple and easy to understand as they can. I will cherish all the friends and connections I have made here at Mid. My ways on how to succeed at Mid are 1. Do homework when it’s assigned 2. Join all the clubs you can, they can help 3. Develop a caffeine addiction to help fuel your hatred when you don’t do number 1 of this guide and you have one day to write a 10 page paper Follow this guide and you’ll succeed to! Future Plans: My plans are to continue my education to a higher learning establishment, I completed my first degree now I’m on my way to completing my second at the College for Creative Studies in Detroit. I’m excited to be moving forward and getting this summer for a break.

devin-daniels-trio.png

Tammy Gingery

Program: Math-Science Transfer Please share any thoughts you may have about your graduation: I think Mid has been an incredibly caring and compassionate college to begin at career with. The teachers have set a high precedence for student engagement and passion for their teaching that I have now come to expect from a higher learning educational system and refuse to settle for less. I'm glad I had the opportunity to go to another university and had early recognition that it was not the learning experience that I require for active learning. Finishing this semester at Mid has provided me the time to search for a university that meet those needs and has the qualities of caring and passion that Mid has provided me. I feel confident now in believing that the University that I've chosen can provide that for me and I can continue to have a quality learning experience. How have you benefited from being in the TRIO program? I’ve been with TRIO since the first of this year. I think it’s great that TRIO provides us with learning opportunities, cultural activities, and more in-depth programs for possible career option than we would not otherwise have the opportunity to receive. Future Plans: Continue my completion of pre-med requirements and finish my bachelor’s degree in biology

tammy-gingery-trio.png

Tammy Heuker

Program: Nursing Please share any thoughts you may have about your graduation: This past 4 years have been a process of learning not only my studies but more importantly about myself. I joined trio for the support and I learned that being a student at Mid means that I had many students encouraging me along the way. We are all struggling for a better life and are willing to lift each other up. I'm excited for the future and a little scared to make the next jump to the working world. How have you benefited from being in the TRIO program? The trio program offers lots of help and encouragement. Theresa excels at what she does. I'm always confident that her advice is sound and in my best interest. Future Plans: A job as an RN and an RN to BSN program

tammy-heuker-trio.png

Danny Mack

Program: Liberal Studies Please share any thoughts you may have about your graduation: It's been a trying journey with many obstacles, road blocks and trials. However, I have never given up, and I am glad I have that will inside, because as I approach graduation I am proud of who I've become. This journey has meant everything to me, for it solidified that no matter what life throws at me, I can accept the good, overcome the bad, rise above the struggle and achieve success. How have you benefited from being in the TRIO program? Trio has been wonderful, I've met wonderful people and have had access to tutors, and great guidance.

danny-mack-trio.png

Kevin McBride

Program: Computer Information Systems Please share any thoughts you may have about your graduation: I have learned how to overcome exam anxiety. I’m very happy to be graduating and I hope to attain a job in my career field as soon as possible, and I have no regrets of my career choice. How have you benefited from being in the TRIO program? Yes, I benefited a great deal! The trips and events were always insightful and entertaining. The advising that the Trio staff provided helped me understand what classes to take, and never failed me once. Future Plans: To work in Information Technology

kevin-mcbride-trio.png

Jasmine Pierson

Program: Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Please share any thoughts you may have about your graduation: I’m really excited & relieved to finally be done with school! It’s both rewarding & a stress reliever because this program was so intense and it was difficult to get through. How have you benefited from being in the TRIO program? Yes I’ve been very grateful to have received support from this program from others/mentors. I’m also very grateful that they’ve helped fund my summer classes because it gets very expensive and this program required 2 semesters of summer classes.

jasmine-pierson-trio.png

G'ontae Pritchett

Program: Business Studies Please share any thoughts you may have about your graduation: I am ecstatic about my upcoming graduation. It has been a long anticipating moment I have been waiting for since I graduated high school being able to take my education to the next level leading by example. Completing college showed me that anything is attainable or possible if you set your mind to it with faith and patience. This journey means everything to me, I owe it to my family and everyone who come before me that didn't make it to or through college. I also plan to transfer to another institution to pursue my Bachelor's degree. Knowledge is power! How have you benefited from being in the TRIO program? The TRIO program helped me find my niche here at Mid-Michigan College, it also molded me into a better student academically. Future Plans: To transfer to another institution and pursue my Bachelor's degree. Knowledge is power! You can never stop learning, that is what life is all about living and learning.

gontae-pritchett-trio.png

Michala Stocker

Program: Liberal Studies Please share any thoughts you may have about your graduation: I’m unsure of the next stepping stones of my career but I’m proud to reach this milestone How have you benefited from being in the TRIO program? Teresa has made me feel important instead of just another student in the masses. She took interest and helped me figured out this last semester. I would have attended another semester. Future Plans: Hopefully find a substitute teaching position and attend CMU in the fall

michala-stocker-trio.png

Get More Information

Participants select what services they take advantage of and to what degree they are involved. But, here are a few services offered:

  • A success coach who acts as a single point of contact for any question. We try to make it easy to get answers by taking out the guesswork. One person. One phone call. You can get information on everything from setting up tutoring to creating a budget and selecting your classes.
  • Help with financial aid, managing your money, and minimizing your loan debt through scholarship search assistance and the possibility of spring semester grant aid for those who qualify.
  • Free events and workshops to enhance and strengthen you as a student, an employee, and as a leader.
  • Individualized academic planning and career guidance--including job shadowing, career prep, and transfer assistance.
  • A free success strategy course.
  • A network of peers and an opportunity to meet other Mid students.

We are looking for students who are committed to education and want to achieve their highest potential.

You must be one or more of the following:

  • A low-income student
  • A student whose parent(s)/guardian(s) do not hold a bachelor's degree
  • A student with a documented disability

Ready to Apply to TRIO-SSS?

Visit Our Application Page

Request TRIO-SSS Information

Apply To TRIO-SSS Today!

TRIO-SSS Facebook Group

tutor-logo.png

Connect with the TRIO SSS Team

About TRIO-SSS Program

It began with Upward Bound, which emerged out of the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964 in response to the administration's War on Poverty. In 1965, Talent Search, the second outreach program, was created as part of the Higher Education Act. In 1968, Student Support Services, which was originally known as Special Services for Disadvantaged Students, was authorized by the Higher Education Amendments and became the third in a series of educational opportunity programs.

By the late 1960's, the term "TRIO" was coined to describe these federal programs. Over the years, the TRIO Programs have been expanded and improved to provide a wider range of services and to reach more students who need assistance. The Higher Education Amendments of 1972 added the fourth program to the TRIO group by authorizing the Educational Opportunity Centers. The 1976 Education Amendments authorized the Training Program for Federal TRIO Programs, initially known as the Training Program for Special Programs Staff and Leadership Personnel. Amendments in 1986 added the sixth program, the Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement Program.

Additionally, in 1990, the Department created the Upward Bound Math/Science program to address the need for specific instruction in the fields of math and science. The Upward Bound Math/Science program is administered under the same regulations as the regular Upward Bound program, but it must be applied for separately. Finally, the Omnibus Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2001 amended the Student Support Services (SSS) program to permit the use of program funds for direct financial assistance (Grant Aid) for current SSS participants who are receiving Federal Pell Grants. The legislative requirements for all Federal TRIO Programs can be found in the Higher Education Act of 1965, Title IV, Part A, Subpart 2. The requirements for the SSS Grant Aid can be found in Public Law 106-554.

The TRIO-SSS grant has been hosted by Mid Michigan College since 2015. The current, active grant is awarded for the years 2020-2025. Through the SSS office, Mid aims to provide opportunities for academic development, to assist students with basic college requirements, and to motivate students toward the successful completion of their postsecondary education.