Student Support Services

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.

Florida Gulf Coast University is host to two TRIO SSS grants.

The SSS Classic Program serves eligible participants majoring in any field of study.
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 2015-2020 for SSS Classic is $1,237,920 and for SSS STEM is $1,065,900.

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

More about the History of TRIO and SSS

Program Information

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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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 so that your application can be considered.

For Fall Admission:

Application Opens	Spring
Priority Deadline	Summer

For Spring admission we invite you to inquire with the SSS staff.

There are TWO STEPS to the application process.

STEP ONE

Complete and submit an Online Application

STEP TWO

Complete and submit a Statement of Income Certification. This form is used to verify your or your parent/guardian’s income. You must use the income information used to file for FAFSA.

You may return the Statement of Income Certification via:
E-MAIL
triosss@fgcu.edu

FAX
239-590-7947

IN-PERSON
TRIO & Outreach Office in McTarnaghan Hall room 202

MAIL
Florida Gulf Coast University
TRIO Student Support Services
10501 FGCU Blvd. South
Ft. Myers, FL 33965

Selection Process:
Applications received after the priority deadline will be reviewed on a first come, first served basis.

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. Those who are invited to the Interview Process will be asked to schedule an in-person or phone meeting.

During the one-on-one meeting, 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.