Saturday, February 27, 2021 • Commemorating Federal TRIO SSS and UB program achievements nationwide
On February 24, 1986, a congressional resolution (H. Con. Res. 278) declared that Saturday, February 28, 1986, should be designated as “National TRIO Day” to commemorate the annual achievements of the Federal TRIO programs in communities across the country. NTD this year is Saturday, February 27.
Every year since then, our community has reserved the fourth Saturday in February as National TRIO Day—an opportunity to focus the nation’s “attention on the needs of disadvantaged young people and adults aspiring to improve their lives if they are to become contributing citizens of the country, and to the talent which will be wasted if that investment is not made.”¹
TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) at DCTC
Federal TRIO educational opportunity outreach programs support and motivate low-income, first-generation college students as well as students with disabilities to navigate academic environments from middle school to postgraduate programs. The goal of Federal TRIO programs is to increase the percentage of low-income and first-generation college students who successfully pursue postsecondary education opportunities.
Three Key Goals
- Help you do well in your courses
- Help you re-enroll each semester and graduate
- Help you transfer to a four-year college and earn your bachelor’s degree
TRIO SSS Eligibility
To be eligible for Student Support Services, you must be one or more of the following:
- Students with limited income based on federal income guidelines
- First-generation college student with neither parent having a bachelor’s degree
- Student with a documented disability
SSS student testimonials
“TRIO is an awesome program that helped me with my class and have confidence in myself. Especially, the TRIO tutor that helped me do well in class and my TRIO advisor are responsible.”
“TRIO programs are amazing! They have helped me network and make meaningful connections with others. Having an advisor who is dedicated to your success in all forms is very life-changing.
“I would not be where I am today without the help from those I have worked with in TRIO programs—such as Upward Bound and Student Support Services. My hope is for one day this resource will be available in more locations around the U.S. and even in other countries!
“Providing these services and resources for underrepresented populations gives more equal-access opportunities for those who want to further their education. I am very thankful for all the help I have been provided over the years. Apply! Apply! Apply!”
“This program will keep you on track. TRIO SSS will help you exceed your goals and get closer to your dream job.”
“TRIO has helped me not to be overwhelmed with my studies by focusing on one subject at a time. TRIO has given me skills to overcome my anxiety attacks, contributed to PTSD, and offers stability and accountability all through one-on-one mentoring with an academic/career advisor.”
“TRIO Rocks! TRIO Works!”
Xuong Tran
TRIO/Student Support Services Advisor
Dakota County Technical College
Funded through a grant from the U.S. Department of Education, TRIO SSS is an educational opportunity program that serves 160 students. Students in our program receive intensive, one-on-one and small-group assistance designed to meet their specific needs.
LEARN MORE…
DCTC News stories: TRIO SSS participants
Student Spotlight: Sandra Contreras Lopez
Colorado native majoring in Civil Engineering Technology
Student Spotlight: Susan Garcia
Student Senate president meets with lawmakers on Advocacy Day
DCTC Scholar: Maria Navidad Sanchez Resendiz
TRIO student and Campus Lion awarded full-ride scholarship to Bethel
TRIO Upward Bound (UB) at DCTC
Upward Bound provides academic and personal support and guidance to help qualifying high school students get to college. First generation college students, participants have college potential, but lack awareness of the many academic and career options possible after high school. DCTC’s Upward Bound program closes that gap.
Part of the family of Federal TRIO programs, Upward Bound is funded by the U.S. Department of Education. TRIO programs ensure equal educational opportunities for all students by providing skills and information needed to overcome class, social and cultural barriers to higher education.
Purpose
- A motivational program based on academics, Upward Bound assists high school students with graduation requirements while preparing them for enrollment in and eventual completion of postsecondary education.
- Funded by the U.S. Department of Education and sponsored by Dakota County Technical College, Upward Bound serves 50 students in grades 9–12 from Henry Sibley and South St. Paul high schools and 60 students from Burnsville High School.
- All qualified students are encouraged to apply:
- Our policy obliges us to accept students who best conform to the program’s federal guidelines.
- Applications are available through guidance offices.
- We will accept students who best conform to the program’s federal income guidelines, first-generation in the family to attend college, and potential for success in a college program of study.
LEARN MORE…
UB student testimonials
What is the most valuable part of being in Upward Bound?
“Being around other like-minded students with a passion to go to college and being supported by advisors who made me feel that I’m more than just a plain student passing through high school.”
“I get such a great chance to join in a lot of useful activities. I met different friends and people so that it changes my perspective to make me and others better. These are the values things of being in Upward Bound.”
“I got to meet and was surrounded by amazing people, and I also got to experience and gained a lot of knowledge about things that most students don’t really know about.”
“They truly prepare us for college. I am the first generation of my family born in the U.S., so my parents can’t help me a lot because they didn’t go to school here. Upward Bound has really helped me out a ton.”
“The most valuable part about being in Upward Bound was learning how to prepare for the ACT, and begin to look for colleges I might be going to after high school. Being in this program has been the best decision I’ve ever made. I’m the first in my family born in the U.S., so being in UB has really helped because my parents don’t know a lot.”
DCTC News stories: TRIO UB participants
UB Alumni: Selena Sysourath & Soknary Men
2019 Burnsville High School grads heading for Augsburg on Promise Grants
Upward Bound Student Spotlight: Vilay Kith
Henry Sibley senior recognized as Dell Scholar
UB Student Spotlight: Madisyn Gowans
Burnsville High senior awarded Summer Bridge Promise Grant for Augsburg
Learn more about TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) and Upward Bound (UB) at DCTC by contacting:
Nicole Meulemans
Director of Student Life and Activities
Director of TRIO SSS
651-423-8403
Caitlin Siefkes
Director of TRIO/Upward Bound
651-423-8463
