Student Support Services

Support is Our Middle Name

Student Support Services (SSS) is a Federal TRIO Program designed to motivate and retain college students throughout their journey towards successfully completing a bachelor’s degree, while also fostering academic success and promoting personal growth. We’re here for you!

Are you a first generation college student looking for motivation and a supportive network? Are you limited in financial resources or have a documented disability and in need of helpful resources and services?

aPPLY NOW

Florida Gulf Coast University is Host to Two TRIO SSS Grants

97%

Good Academic Standing

92%

Avg. Returned in Fall 2021

72%

Graduation Rates**

97%

Identified as First-gen***

*These numbers derive from the 2021-2022 Annual Performance Report for both the SSS Classic and SSS STEM Programs

**Based on earned Bachelor's degree in a 6 year time frame

***97% of FGCU SSS Scholars identify as First generation

SSS Classic Program

The SSS Classic Program serves eligible participants majoring in any field of study.

SSS STEM Program

The SSS STEM Program serves eligible participants majoring in science, technology, engineering or mathematics degree programs.

Students Support Services programs at FGCU are funded annually through the U.S. Department of Education. Funding for 2020-2025 for SSS Classic is $1,473,625 and for SSS STEM is $1,268,845.

Explore How TRIO SSS Works

Services
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The SSS Classic and SSS STEM programs provide the following services to all program participants:
- Academic Coaching
- Academic Peer Tutoring
- Career Coaching
- Computer Lab
- Cultural Activities
- Educational & Career Trips
- Financial Literacy Development
- Graduate School Advising
- Graduate School Visits
- Peer Coaching
- SOAR Summer Bridge Program
- Academic, Career, & Financial Workshops
Eligibility
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In accordance with Federal regulations, applicants must meet the following criteria to be eligible:
1. Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident AND
2. Be enrolled or accepted for enrollment at Florida Gulf Coast University AND
3. Demonstrate a strong need for academic support AND
4. Meet one or more of the following:
  - Be a first generation college student (neither parent/guardian has a 4-year degree)
  - Have a documented disability
  - Have financial need based on U.S. Federal Income Requirements
Students are encouraged to complete an application so that SSS Staff can review and determine eligibility.
Apply
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Current FGCU Students

UNDECIDED & NON-STEM MAJORS

SSS Classic Program

Apply Here

DECLARED STEM MAJORS

SSS STEM Program

Apply Here

Students are encouraged to apply so that staff can determine eligibility into the SSS Classic or SSS STEM program. The number of students accepted into the programs varies each year and is dependent on the number of spots available. Priority will be given to eligible applicants who demonstrate the greatest need for support and the greatest desire to be active and engaged in the program.

Please read all instructions carefully as options may have changed.

Selection Process:

Only complete applications from eligible students will be reviewed. After the initial screening, eligible applicants will be notified via Eagle e-mail regarding whether or not they have been invited for the Interview Process.

During the Interview, students will meet with an SSS Staff member to discuss program requirements; after which the student can decide if they still want to join the program and staff will determine final entry. Be sure to check your Eagle E-mail regularly.

If you should have any questions about this process please do not hesitate to contact us.

Words From Our Scholars

Student

TRIO was one of the biggest blessings that I was able to receive while attending the university. I can't wait to get my Masters at Florida Gulf Coast University!”

- Amber P.

Photo of student Ana Sardinha

TRIO SSS supported me throughout my years at FGCU by giving me the necessary tools I needed to succeed inside and outside the classroom. They helped me reach my goals by providing me with guidance and helping me develop skills. The TRIO family gave me free access to technology/computers and tutoring.”

- Anna S.

Photo of Justine G. Alcarraz

SSS has helped me to grow as a professional. Their recommendations and guidance have helped me obtain my first internship with the Federal Highway Administration. I would have never gotten here without their help. The resources at TRIO have helped me out a lot when I didn't have them available at home - tutors, computers, and the printer are my top three resources and it being free it had help me out a lot.”

-Justine G..

See What TRIO SSS Has to Offer

SOAR Summer Bridge Program

The SOAR Summer Bridge Program helps incoming first year and transfer students transition smoothly to FGCU and campus life.

WINGS Program

The WINGS Program is meant to personally assist graduating seniors and juniors in their transition from FGCU into graduate school and/or your career field.

History of TRIO and SSS

The Federal TRIO Programs (TRIO) are Federal outreach and student services programs designed to identify and provide services for individuals who have high academic potential but are at risk of not completing secondary or postsecondary education. TRIO includes eight programs targeted to serve and assist low-income individuals, first-generation college students, and individuals with disabilities to progress through the academic pipeline from middle school to postbaccalaureate programs. TRIO also includes a training program for directors and staff of TRIO projects.

Federal TRIO Programs

Educational Opportunity Centers
Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement
Student Support Services
Talent Search

Training Program for Federal TRIO Programs Staff
Upward Bound
Upward Bound Math-Science
Veterans Upward Bound

For more information on TRIO programs visit:

The U.S. Department of Education

The Council for Opportunity in Education

Center for First Generation Student Success

FAQ

What is TRIO?
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TRIO is not an acronym, but it represents Upward Bound, Talent Search, and Student Support Services, the first three federal programs developed to support educational access and retention for first-generation college students, limited income students, and students with disabilities. Learn more TRIO history by clicking on the drop down menu right above.
What are the benefits of becoming an SSS Scholar?
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This federally funded program provides a community of people who support one another; professional and peer mentorship; financial literacy development; and cultural, career, and graduate school exploration through workshops and off-campus trips.
What are the expectations of an SSS Scholar?
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While TRIO SSS offers a wide variety of services and opportunities, at the very least, SSS Scholars are expected to complete a semester Check-In, make contact with their SSS Coordinator at least 3 times a semester, and complete financial literacy.
Do I have to reapply to the program each year?
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If one of my parents received a bachelors degree outside of the U.S, am I considered first generation?
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We realize that the U.S. educational system is different from that of other countries. However, our Federal guidance states that parent/guardian degree attainment outside of the U.S. means that the student is not considered first-generation.
Is TRIO SSS a scholarship program?
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No, TRIO Student Support Services is not a scholarship program. Our mission is to motivate and retain college students throughout their journey towards successfully completing a bachelor’s degree, while also fostering academic success and promoting personal growth. However, Grant Aid is awarded to eligible students who have maintained active status in the program, are in good academic standing, and are Pell Grant recipients.
Is your office providing First-gen graduation stoles?
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No, the Office of First Year Experience & Retention Programs provides First-Generation stoles to graduating seniors. Eligible students receive an e-mail close to graduation with pick-up details. If you did not receive an e-mail please contact 239-590-7464 or fye@fgcu.edu
How much does it cost to be in the TRIO Student Support Services program?
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Where is the office located and when are you open?
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If I was a part of another TRIO program at another institution do I still need to apply to TRIO Student Support Services here at FGCU?
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TRIO Student Support Services Staff

Garcia-Rea, Valerie

Director, TRIO Student Support Services Programs

MCT 0212

239-590-7939

vgarcia@fgcu.edu

Thompson, Te'Von

Coordinator II, SSS Classic Program

CCEA 0108

239-590-7809

tjthompson@fgcu.edu

Holmes, Ana Vicky

Coordinator II, SSS STEM Program

MCT 0210

239-590-7905

avholmes@fgcu.edu

We’re Here to Answer Your Questions.

TRIO and Outreach Programs

McTarnaghan Hall, Room 202
10501 FGCU Boulevard South
Fort Myers, Florida 33965

(239) 590-7834

(239) 590-7947 (Fax)

Tenemos hispanohablantes en nuestra oficina disponibles para contester sus preguntas.