Our Mission

The TRIO Student Support Service program at Montana State University - Bozeman is committed to increasing the rates of academic achievement, retention, and graduation among historically underrepresented students. This is accomplished by providing holistic and individualized support services that maximize students' innate abilities and draw upon available resources within, and outside of, the University to benefit students, families and the larger community.

 What is TRIO Student Support Services?

Through a grant competition, funds are awarded to institutions of higher education to provide opportunities for academic development, to assist students with basic college requirements, and to motivate students toward the successful completion of their postsecondary education. The goal of TRIO SSS is to increase the college retention and graduation rates of its participants, and to inform the academic community of best practices and strategies for retaining and graduating all students.

 Eligible Students

The SSS program is available to undergraduate MSU students who meet the following criteria:

  • Be a citizen or permanent resident of the United States
  • Be an admitted MSU undergraduate student
  • Demonstrate academic need

In addition, SSS participants must meet at least one of the following three requirements:

  • Have a low income as defined by the U.S. Department of Education
  • Be from a family from which neither parent/guardian has received a bachelor’s degree
  • Have accomodations received from the MSU Office of Disability Services.

MSU TRIO SSS program has limited space and therefore may not be able to accept all qualified applicants into the program. Applicants will be selected if they meet the above criteria and demonstrate a commitment to active participation.

FAQ

 

No, TRIO SSS at Montana State University is unable to offer monetary awards to scholars

No! Applying to the TRIO SSS program is 100% free!

Yes, we ask that all interested current or future MSU students fill out the application, even if transferring from another institution where you were a TRIO Scholar. 

No! We have one mandatory event  at the beginning of each semester, but other than that, no other events are mandatory. We do ask TRIO Scholars to be engaged with the office through the attendance of events, scheduling 1-on-1 meetings with our retention specialist and/or utilizing our space to study and relax.  

TRIO SSS offers a lot of cool benefits to our scholars, including: 10 free hours of Smarty Cat Tutoring per week, Leadership Opportunities, Early Class Registration for returning students, Community Development Opportunities, Free Breakfast Once per Week, Free Printing, and more!