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TRIO Student Support Services - Achievement Center

What is TRIO Student Support Services?

Student Support Services (SSS) is a federally funded TRIO program that provides free academic support, coaching, and encouragement to help students overcome barriers, succeed in college, and graduate from Mountain Gateway Community College or transfer to a four-year university.

Who is Eligible?

To participate in TRIO SSS, you must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, currently enrolled at MGCC, and demonstrate a need for academic support.

In addition, you must meet at least one of the following criteria:

  • First-Generation College Student: Neither parent has earned a four-year bachelor’s degree.
  • Financial Need: Meets federal low-income guidelines.
  • Documented Disability: Has a documented physical, learning, or psychological disability.

Free Student Services & Benefits

Academic Support

  • Free individual and group tutoring
  • Skill-building workshops
  • Educational and cultural enrichment activities

Personal & Academic Advising

  • Course selection and degree planning
  • Career assessments and goal setting
  • Transfer planning for four-year colleges

Financial Guidance

  • FAFSA completion and scholarship application assistance
  • Financial literacy and budgeting workshops

How to Apply

  1. Download the TRIO SSS Application.
  2. Complete all sections of the application.
  3. Add your digital signature. (Need help? See Instructions for Creating Adobe Digital Signatures).
  4. Email your completed application to Carol Conner at chconner@mgcc.edu.

Location & Hours of Operation

Services are available both in-person and virtually.

  • Location: Achievement Center, Scott Hall (Next to the MGCC Library)

Hours

  • Fall & Spring Semesters:
    • Monday – Thursday: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
    • Friday: 8:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
  • Summer Hours:
    • Monday – Thursday: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
    • Friday: 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

 

Contact the TRIO SSS Staff

Have questions or need assistance applying? Reach out to our team:

  • Beth Sampson   Phone: (540) 863-2860  |  Email: bsampson@mgcc.edu
  • Carol Conner     Phone: (540) 863-2862  |  Email: chconner@mgcc.edu

Student Resources