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.