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TRIO Programs

TRIO Programs are federally funded educational opportunity programs, focused on helping low-income, first-generation students and students with disabilities get to and through college. They began in 1964 and currently serving more than 880,000 middle, high school, & college students across the country each year, through academic tutoring, personal counseling, mentoring, financial guidance, and other supports necessary to promote college access, retention, and graduation. Since its inception, TRIO has helped more than 6 million Americans earn college degrees and is essential to providing genuine educational opportunities for all Americans.

TRIO programs are performance-based, making it one of the most accountable programs in the federal government. Our programs operate against specific measurable outcome objectives as defined in each approved TRIO grant proposal and must annually meet these objectives in order to preserve federal funding.
There are eight distinct TRIO programs (Talent Search, Upward Bound, Upward Bound Math/Science, Veterans' Upward Bound, Student Support Services, Educational Opportunity Centers, McNair Scholars) that work together to overcome barriers to higher education, funded through grants to institutions like colleges, agencies, and schools.
Here at Massasoit Community College, we offer two of these TRIO programs:

  1. TRIO Student Support Services Program (SSS), geared for our Massasoit Community College students
    SSS Application Form
  2. TRIO Talent Search Program (TS), geared for students enrolled at Brockton High School
    Talent Search Application Form

TRIO Student Support Services

TRIO Student Support Services (TRIO SSS) is a federally funded program at Massasoit Community College which is focused on increasing the retention, graduation, and transfer rates from two-year to four-year institutions of students who are first-generation, low income and/or have a documented disability. The program provides comprehensive services and opportunities designed to promote student success and holistic well-being, paying special attention to challenges that are often experienced by first-generation students.

Students who participate in the TRIO SSS Program have their own advisor who works closely with the student to advise, both academically and personally, and to help navigate the sometimes-confusing administrative requirements of being a college student. TRIO SSS is a place where our students can come to talk, vent, and share their successes; obtain support; and connect with their community of TRIO peers.

Some of the free services, available to all TRIO participants at Massasoit, include:

  • 1-on-1 Academic Advising
  • Transfer Counseling
  • Four-year College Visits & Tours
  • Financial Aid Counseling
  • Grant Aid Scholarships (for eligible students)
  • Educational Seminars & Workshops
  • Individualized Assessment and Evaluation (financial, educational and career exploration)
  • Peer Mentoring & Leadership
  • Cultural Events & Activities
  • Referral Services

For any questions or more information, feel free to reach out through contacts below.

Who is Eligible for the TRIO SSS Program?

Applicants must be currently enrolled or accepted for enrollment at Massasoit; be a U.S. citizen or registered Permanent Resident, or meet the requirements for federal student financial assistance; and meet at least ONE of the following criteria:

  1. First Generation – Neither parent/guardian completed a Bachelor’s degree from a four-year institution in the United States. A student raised by only one parent/guardian who does not have a Bachelor’s degree is also considered a first-generation student.
  2. Income Eligible – Income eligible according to federal guidelines.
  3. Disabled – A student with a documented disability.

What you can expect as a TRIO SSS student

  • Having an advisor who reaches out to you often and gets to know who you are as a whole person.
  • Belonging to a supportive, close-knit community of TRIO peers and staff within the larger Massasoit campus.
  • Having a place to go at Massasoit when you have a question or are facing an issue and are not quite sure where to go for help.

"Helped me have confidence to apply to all colleges.”

Class of 2013

Kristin
Alumnus

“TRIO is the best!”

Class of 2001

Valerie

Alumnus

“With trio I was able to be successful and transfer to another college to continue my education for a BA in Culinary Arts. The counseling sessions were one of the best things and the most important part of working with trio, they helped me make choices for the better and during my time with them never had a complain once. They are always working hard with the students to be successful. ”

Class of 2017

Tonya R.

Alumnus

“I would honestly say if it was not for TRIO, I would not have graduated. I would like to especially thank Cindy Gomes. She cheered me on every step of the way. TRIO gives every student an opportunity to succeed, they see the greatness in you even when you can’t.”

Class of 2020

Tatyana H.

Alumnus

“Program helped me succeed not only at a 2 year college but gave me the tools to successfully complete my bachelors program. I’m grateful for my time with the TRIO program. ”

Class of 2018

Nicole H.

Alumnus

“TRIO at Massasoit gave me the tools I needed to succeed as a first generation college student. Thanks to their encouraging support network and mentorship, I was able to complete my two year degree with high honors and transfer into a four year program.”

Class of 2020

Kevin M.

Alumnus

TRIO is a great program that can help you succeed in college and beyond. We have a wonderful and supportive staff that will give you the time and attention that you may need while navigating your way through the higher education system. We have many services that you can benefit from while you are completing a degree at Massasoit Community College.

It’s easy! As long as you fall into one of the following categories, you qualify:

  • First generation college student (neither parent or guardian has completed a four-year degree)
  • Income eligible according to federal guidelines
  • Have a documented disability.

You can pick up an application at the Brockton campus, or useTRIO Application & Eligibility Form.

We are funded to serve a maximum of 180 students per year.

No, we accept college students of all ages.

We do not provide financial support but we will assist you in finding resources for funding.

Students from the all Massasoit campuses are encouraged to apply; however, most services and activities are held on the Brockton Campus.

There are 22 TRIO Student Support Services programs at colleges and universities in Massachusetts and many more located across the United States.

Once you have been accepted into TRIO, you do not have to reapply as long as you continue to meet the minimum TRIO standards to be an active participant and enrolled at Massasoit Community College.

 

TRIO Talent Search

TRIO Talent Search is a student support program designed to encourage Brockton High School students (9-12) to graduate from high school and enroll in programs of postsecondary education.

Who May Apply?
A Brockton High School student who is a U.S. Citizen or registered Permanent Resident.

How much does it cost?
All services and activities are provided FREE of cost to participants and their families. The program operates with grant funding from the U.S. Department of Education.

Why TRIO Talent Search?

  • Individual Academic Advising & Coaching
  • Career Exploration
  • Financial Literacy Workshops
  • College Search & Application Process Support
  • Financial Aid Planning
  • Academic Skill-building
  • College Visits/Tours
  • Group and Cultural activities

If you have any questions, please email us at triotalentsearch@massasoit.mass.edu.