TRIO HELPS BOOST STUDENT SUCCESS

Enrolling in college can be a tumultuous task. Between taking the college placement test, securing financial aid, and choosing classes, it’s easy to get lost in the vortex of registration. Beyond this, there remains the monumental goal of completing your education. 

In light of this, there are programs on the Mt. Hood campus dedicated to guiding students through the quest called higher education. One such program is TRIO SSS (Student Support Services). TRIO endeavors to aid students in myriad ways. Among these are advisers, tutoring, ambassadors, materials, and outings.

When a student first joins TRIO, they are assigned an adviser. This will be the student’s adviser until graduation. The benefit is that the student and adviser can get to know each other, leading to a more personalized experience. TRIO also provides a tutor who can assist students in learning almost any subject. The tutor can re-explain material and help students to better understand the curriculum. 

Ambassadors, students familiar with the program, are also available to chat with students. The ambassadors will be able to relate well to students as they are students themselves. In addition to chatting, ambassadors can also direct students to resources that could better aid them in their area of need. TRIO also aids students in the financial arena. This aid comes in the form of materials, such as textbooks or calculators which can be checked out for a term. This is a great way to cut down on the expenses that college brings. 

Last, but certainly not least, are outings. TRIO wants students to be prepared for where they are headed when it comes time to transfer. One of the ways they do this is through outings, outside of Mt. Hood. Outings are primarily to university campuses, which allows students to see and learn about them, while deciding which one to transfer to. The other purpose of outings is cultural enrichment, which can come through trying foods from various cultures, or visiting sites that educate the public about different cultures. 

Overall, the heart of TRIO is the mission to help students. The staff knows the challenges of college and wishes to help those who are now encountering those forks in the road.

If you would like to know more about the program, come visit the TRIO Student Success Center in the mezzanine above the MHCC Library, in
Room 3303 or check out mhcc.edu/TRIO-SSS/