TRIO Student Support Services

TRIO SSS Participant Eligibility

We serve students who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents with an academic need who meet at least one of the following criteria:

• neither parent graduated from a four-year college
• qualify as low-income under federal income guidelines
• have a disability documented with the Access Center

You only need to meet one to apply!

TRIO Student Support Services Application

Thank you for your interest in joining the TRIO SSS Program! This application is open year-round. Please complete the following steps to apply:

1. Submit your TRIO Application.
2. Submit your low-income verification (we use federal income guidelines for TRIO SSS to determine income eligibility).
   1. Please submit a copy of one of the following to the TRIO SSS LiquidFiles (a secure file transfer system).
      1. If you are a dependent student, provide a copy of your Parent’s/guardians’ 2024 Federal Income Tax Return.
      2. If you are an independent student, provide a copy of your 2024 Federal Income Tax Return.
      3. If you did not file taxes or complete a FAFSA for 2024-25 or 2025-26, you can complete and submit the Family Income Verification Form.
   2. If you have any questions, please contact us.
3. Once we receive your complete application, please allow time for processing and continue checking your MSU Denver email for a decision and an invitation to your Intake Interview.
4. Schedule your TRIO Intake Interview & Orientation.
   1. After we verify your financial eligibility, TRIO SSS will contact you to schedule your intake interview.

If you have any questions about the program, stop by our office in the Jordan Student Success Building, Room 240. You can also contact the team at [email protected] or (303) 615-0080.

Benefits and Opportunities

Academic Coaching and Support

Every community member is connected with a TRIO SSS Advisor who provides academic advising, coaching, and guidance.

Peer Mentorship

First-year and transfer students receive guidance and support from other TRIO SSS students as they navigate and succeed at MSU Denver.

Tutoring and Academic Skill Development

As a TRIO participant, you receive free individualized tutoring in math, writing, and college learning strategies.

Financial Assistance, Planning, and Education

TRIO students receive help navigating educational funding opportunities, including support with the FAFSA, scholarships, financial planning, and financial literacy.

In-Demand Career Skills and Graduate School Preparation

We help you create pathways for a successful transition from college to a career or a graduate program by identifying and increasing individual strengths and skill sets.

Connection to Campus Resources

We connect our members with students, faculty, and staff across campus to increase their readiness to advance in a career or attend graduate school.

Cultural Awareness, Understanding, and Appreciation

We help you build community while engaging in cultural events that broaden students’ views on differences.

Computer Lab and Study Lounge

We offer a comfortable space where our students can focus on their learning outside the classroom.

Come by our office!

Requirements Per Semester

Once a student is accepted into the TRIO SSS program, the participant is expected to fulfill the following participation requirements each semester:

• Meet with a TRIO SSS Scholar Advisor at least 2 times per semester
• Meet with a TRIO SSS peer mentor at least 1 time per semester (First-year & Transfer students only)
• Attend at least 2 academic, financial literacy, graduate school preparation, or career development workshops per semester 
• Attend at least 1 well-being workshop per semester 

Reach out to your advisor with any questions.