Helping Students Succeed in College
- Transfer Assistance
- Graduation Assistance
- Registration Assistance
- Financial Aid Assistance
- Individual Education Plan
- Individual/Group Tutoring
- Student Success Workshops
History of TRiO
The term "TRiO" was coined in the 1960s to describe three federally funded programs which emerged out of the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964 and President Lyndon B. Johnson's War on Poverty.
These three programs include Upward Bound, Talent Search, and Student Support Services. Over the years, TRiO programs have expanded and now include several additional programs. Together these programs serve and assist low-income, first-generation college students and students with disabilities to progress through the academic pipeline from middle school to post-baccalaureate programs.
Student Support Services (SSS program) at Lee College is a TRiO program that is funded by the Department of Education to serve 140 participants. The SSS program provides opportunities for academic development and motivates students toward the successful completion of post-secondary education. The goal of SSS is to increase college retention and graduation rates of its participants and facilitate transfers to four-year universities.
Applying to the TRiO SSS program
- Complete the online application.
- To complete your application, you may be asked to submit a copy of the following documents in person. Due to current safety restrictions, TRIO is not accepting these forms at our office at this time. After TRIO staff have reviewed your application, a staff member will contact you with instructions on how to (temporarily) complete your application online.
- Current 1040 tax return. (If you are 24 years old or younger, unmarried, and do not have children, you must submit a copy of your parents' tax return or FAFSA award letter with the gross income shown.)
- Valid state/government-issued I.D. (Include your permanent resident documentation or visa, if applicable.)
If you have any questions or would like to check the status of your application, call the TRIO office at 281.425.6500 or email TRIO at sss@lee.edu.
Participant Requirements
- Maintain a minimum of 12 hours per semester (fall and spring). Approval needed for fewer than 12 hours.
- Maintain satisfactory progress with a 2.0 GPA or higher and remain in good academic standing each semester.
- Actively attempt to complete an educational plan and graduate and/or transfer.
- Meet with the TRIO/SSS Advisor a minimum of two times per semester.
- Participate in a minimum of two activities each semester with the TRIO/SSS program.
Who is Eligible for TRiO SSS?
You are eligible if:
• You are a first-generation college student
Being a first-generation college student means that neither of your parents completed a four-year college or university (bachelor's) degree.
• You have financial need
Having financial need means that your individual or family taxable income falls below the official federal income figure determined by family size.
• You have a physical or learning disability
Having a disability means that you have a documented physical or learning disability that may affect your role as a student.
• You have academic need
Academic need includes, but is not limited to, any of the following: low college GPA, low Accuplacer test scores, earned GED, or out of school for five years or more.
Meet the Staff
Kelli Emerson — Project Director
TRiO Student Support Services
Lee College
Moler Hall, Room 117
281.425.6500
sss@lee.edu