The TRIO – Student Support Services (TRIO SSS) is a federally funded Department of Education program. TRIO SSS is designed to empower first-generation, income-eligible West Valley College students as they prepare to obtain a certificate and/or two-year degree and/or transfer to a four-year university. TRIO SSS was established at WVC in 2010 and serves 140 students each year who meet the eligibility criteria.
- Priority registration
- Free printing and computer workstations
- Grant aid to Pell-eligible participants with high unmet need
- Academic support
- Financial Aid and Scholarship Application Assistance
- Academic, Career, and Personal Counseling
- Workshops and seminars
- Transfer Planning and Visits to Four-Year Universities
- Cultural events
- Networking opportunities
- Leadership development
- Sense of commUNITY
As of fall 2023, in addition to U.S. citizens and permanent residents, TRIO is able to extend services to West Valley College students that are undocumented (Includes: Dreamers, AB540 eligible, DACA, TPS, U&T Visa, Asylum/Refugee).
TRiO Program at West Valley College
Advice and assistance in postsecondary course selection.
Assist student with information on both the full range of student financial aid programs, benefits and resources for locating public and private scholarships; and assistance in completing financial aid applications. Education or counseling services designed to improve the financial and economic literacy and assist students in applying for admission to graduate and professional programs; and assist students enrolled in two-year institutions and applying for admission to, and obtaining financial assistance for enrollment in four-year programs. The SSS projects may also provide individualized counseling for personal, career, and academic information, activities, and instruction designed to acquaint students with career options; exposure to cultural events and academic programs not usually available; mentoring programs, securing temporary housing during breaks for students who are homeless youths and students who are in foster care or are aging out of the foster care system.
Welcome to the TRIO ACHIEVERS Program
Our Goal
To help give first-generation college students, students from income-eligible families or students with a physical or learning disability an equal opportunity to earn a college education.
Our Priority
To offer individualized quality support services in a personal and caring manner to promote academic success. Participants are offered an array of individual and small group services to ensure a smooth transition to West Valley College as well as ongoing support towards the successful completion of their postsecondary education.
The program is responsible for increasing retention, graduation, and transfer rates of students that are first generation in college, low income, and/or students with disabilities.
Our TRIO Vision
We are actively engaged in creating a positive caring community that promotes diversity, leadership, and student success.
- Priority registration
- Free printing and computer workstations
- Grant aid to eligible participants
- Academic support and tutoring
- Financial Aid and Scholarship Application Assistance
- Academic, Career, and Personal Counseling
- Peer mentoring
- Workshops and seminars
- Transfer Planning and Visits to Four-Year Universities
- Cultural events
- Networking opportunities
- Leadership development
- Sense of community
The TRIO Achievers Program is open to any undergraduate student who is a U.S. citizen, national or permanent resident. Applicants must have an academic need and meet at least one of the following criteria:
- First-generation college student
- Income-eligible (based on the U.S. Department of Education scale)
- Have a physical or learning disability
In order to remain active in the program, students must complete the following requirements:
- Meet with assigned staff member once per semester
- Attend two campus partner events/workshops a year
- Attend one TRIO Achievers sponsored Financial Literacy Workshop
- Participate in at least two TRIO Achievers-sponsored activities per semester
- Maintain good academic standing
TRiO Program at West Valley College
Eligibility and How to Apply
TRiO is a federally funded program designed to empower first-generation, income-eligible, and disabled West Valley College students as they prepare to obtain a two-year degree and/or transfer to a four-year university.
To qualify for TRiO, you MUST:
- Be a citizen or legal resident of the United States
- Have applied for the financial aid via FAFSA
- Be in academic good standing (GPA 2.0 and above)
- Have an academic need and be:
- Financially limited, according to Federal income criteria and/or
- A first-generation college student (meaning neither parent has earned a bachelor's degree in the United States), or
- A student with a verified disability
Effective January 19, 2023 until further notice.
| Size of Family Unit | Household Income |
|---|---|
| 1 | $21,870 |
| 2 | $29,580 |
| 3 | $37,290 |
| 4 | $45,000 |
| 5 | $52,710 |
| 6 | $60,420 |
| 7 | $68,130 |
| 8 | $75,840 |
For family units with more than eight members, add the following amount for each additional family member: $7,710 for the 48 contiguous states, the District of Columbia and outlying jurisdictions; $9,645 for Alaska; and $8,865 for Hawaii.
The term "low-income individual" means an individual whose family's taxable income for the preceding year did not exceed 150 percent of the poverty level amount.
The figures shown under family income represent amounts equal to 150 percent of the family income levels established by the Census Bureau for determining poverty status. The poverty guidelines were published by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services in the Federal Register on January 19, 2023 and are effective as of January 19, 2023.
Staff
Alicia Cardenas
Counseling
Counselor
(408) 741-2649
[email protected]
Student Services Center
Zachary Riesenberger
Student Equity
Student Equity Coordinator: TRIO, Puente, Umoja, and FYE
(408) 741-2022
[email protected]
Student Services Center SSC 212
Jasmine Marie Mageno Torres
TRIO
Director, TRIO - Student Support Services & AANHPI Student Achievement Program
(408) 741-2536
[email protected]
SSC 212A
Resources
Student Spotlights
Major: Education
Degree: Teaching Certificate – Level 2
Most Memorable Moment in TRIO: How TRIO guided me on how to accomplish my goal.
Major: Apparel Design and Merchandising
College/University: San Francisco State University
I am most passionate about: Art, color, and design.
Most Memorable Moment in TRIO: The care and support from the members of the TRIO program meant so much to me. Thank you!
Major: English
College/University: San Jose State
I am passionate about: Reading.
Most Memorable Moment in TRIO: My most memorable TRIO experience was when we went on field trips such as visiting college campuses.
Major: Communications
College/University: San Francisco State University
I am passionate about: I am passionate about sports and learning. I enjoy learning different things, especially life lessons. I love interacting with people of different backgrounds.
Most Memorable Moment in TRIO: The most memorable moment with TRIO will always be Alicia Cardenas and how helpful she was throughout my 3 years here at West Valley. She was always very motivating and leading the example, and for that I'm very grateful.
Major: Theater Arts
College/University: UC Santa Cruz
I am passionate about: Integrity within workspace, teamwork, and artistic expression.
Most Memorable Moment in TRIO: Notably, I met a few lifelong, hardworking friends in TRIO at Mission College and West Valley College; I was able to create solid plans to graduate with multiple AA's where I thought I may not before. The resources and support to be found with TRIO became fundamental to my success at WVC.
Major: Social Justice
College/University: San Francisco State University
I am passionate about: Coffee and people.
Most Memorable Moment in TRIO: The incredible and dynamic support system that repeatedly helped me.
Major: Business Administration
College/University: San Jose State University
I am passionate about: Uplifting others.
Most Memorable Moment in TRIO: I enjoyed every second of this program. This program was my backbone since the second I joined, and made me do a 180 change academically with its overwhelming tutoring services and support. Turned me form a Withdraw and C’s student to a 3.1 GPA student.
Major: Sociology
College/University: California State University San Marco
I am passionate about: Helping others.
Most Memorable Moment in TRIO: Attending the TRIO Student Leadership Conference.
Major: Statistics – Data Science
College/University: UC Davis
I am passionate about: Working out and biking.
Most Memorable Moment in TRIO: Most memorable experience from TRIO is the good feelings I get from helping other students and getting help from the wonderful tutors. I am blessed to be in such an environment.
TRIO Achievers offers quality support services in a personal and caring manner to promote academic success. Participants are offered an array of individual and small group services to ensure a smooth transition to West Valley College as well as ongoing support towards the successful completion of their postsecondary education. The program is responsible for increasing retention, graduation, and transfer rates of students that are first generation in college, low income, and/or students with disabilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
To help give first-generation college students, students from income-eligible families or students with a physical or learning disability an equal opportunity to earn a college education.
The program offers quality support services in a personal and caring manner to promote academic success. Participants are offered an array of individual and small group services to ensure a smooth transition to West Valley College as well as ongoing support towards the successful completion of their postsecondary education.
- Priority registration
- Free printing and computer workstations
- Grant aid to eligible participants
- Academic support and tutoring
- Financial Aid and Scholarship Application Assistance
- Academic, Career, and Personal Counseling
- Peer mentoring
- Workshops and seminars
- Transfer Planning and Visits to Four-Year Universities
- Cultural events
- Networking opportunities
- Leadership development
- Sense of community
The TRIO Achievers Program is open to any undergraduate student who is a U.S. citizen, national or permanent resident. Applicants must have an academic need and meet at least one of the following criteria:
- First-generation college student
- Income-eligible (based on the U.S. Department of Education scale)
- Have a physical or learning disability
Students can apply online.
TRIO Achievers has rolling enrollment from Summer to Spring Semester.
The TRIO Achievers office is located on the Second Floor of the Student Services Center Room 212C.
Jasmine Marie Mageno Torres
TRIO
Director, TRIO - Student Support Services & AANHPI Student Achievement Program
(408) 741-2536
[email protected]
SSC 212A
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