TRIO Student Support Services

What is TRIO?

Our nation has asserted a commitment to providing educational opportunity for all Americans regardless of race, ethnic background, or economic circumstance. In support of this commitment, Congress established a series of programs to help low-income Americans enter college, graduate and move on to participate more fully in America’s economic and social life.

These programs are funded under Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 and are referred to as the TRIO Programs (initially just three programs). While student financial aid programs help students overcome financial barriers to higher education, TRIO programs help students overcome class, social and cultural barriers to higher education.

TRIO Student Support Services (SSS)

We provide academic support services such as tutoring, assistance with education plans, personal and career counseling, visits to universities, and more. If you are low-income, first-generation, or a student with a disability, check out what our FREE services can do for you.

Why TRIO SSS?

Students who join TRIO Student Success Services (SSS) are much more likely to maintain higher GPA’s, be more involved on campus, and graduate and transfer at higher rates. Students who join the program are more successful than students who choose not to take advantage of the TRIO SSS program services.

What we offer

Program Eligibility Requirements

In order to be considered for the TRIO SSS program, you must meet all of the following eligibility requirements:

  • Be a U.S. Citizen or a Permanent Resident
  • Have a High School diploma OR GED/High School Completion
  • Be a current Yakima Valley College student
  • Currently pursuing a 2-year associates degree at Yakima Valley College (AA, AS, ATA, or AAS-T)
  • Not already have a degree from a 4-year college or university
  • Be a first-generation college student (neither parent or guardian has graduated from 4-year college or university)

Federal Low-Income Guidelines

Number of Dependents (include self) Taxable Income
1 $20,385
2 $27,465
3 $34,545
4 $41,625
5 $48,705
6 $55,785
7 $62,865
8 $69,945

(Effective January 12, 2022 until further notice)

For family units with more than 8 members, add the following amount for each additional family member: $6,270.

For more information call: Yakima Campus 509.574.4956 or Grandview Campus  509.882.7041​​ ​

TRIO SSS Program​ Services

The following services are available to students who participate in the TRIO SSS Program:

Academic and Career Counseling:
Our counselors offer guidance to you as you are making decisions about your educational and career goals.

Tutoring:
All TRIO SSS participants qualify for one-on-one tutoring free of charge.  Tutoring is available at both the Yakima and Grandview campuses.

University Visits:
TRIO SSS host visits to 4-year institutions during the school year. Presentations are made by each university’s Financial Aid Office, Admissions Office, and other areas of interest to the students on the tour.

College Orientation Classes:
These classes can provide you with information on credits, degree requirements, campus services, class selection, study skills, financial aid, health services, learning styles, career awareness, and job readiness.

Math Supplements:
TRIO SSS supplements address foundational development, anxiety, and accessing resources for math. When you take your first math class, you have access to the supplement and a loaner textbook. Early registration is available to ensure proper scheduling.

Assistance with Degree Audits/Educational Plans:
Our advisors will help you develop an Education Plan. By mapping out your courses you will have a clear picture of what you need to do and how long it will take to earn your degree.

Academic Early Warning (AEW):
If an instructor identifies areas for improvement through AEW, we will connect you with the resources necessary to provide assistance with your classes.

Learning Skills Workshops:
Based on the needs of our TRIO SSS students, workshops may be offered in:
  • Test Taking
  • Improving Your Memory
  • Instant Study Tips
  • Math Anxiety
  • Writing a Research Paper
  • Decision Making
  • Reading for College
  • Beat Procrastination
  • Learning Styles
  • Financing College
  • Applying for Scholarships

Financial Aid Workshops:
Assistance is provided to students who need financial resources in order to pursue their educational program at YVC. A financial literacy program entitled “CashCourse“ is encouraged for all TRIO students.
What is expected of students who participate in the program?

The purpose of SSS is to increase retention, graduation, and transfer rates of the program’s participants. Your commitment to the program is a vital part of your success in fulfilling your education goals and the goals which have been set for the program. Each participant is required to meet the following expectations while enrolled in SSS:
  • Meet with your counselor at least three (3) times each quarter.
  • Attend classes, tutorial sessions, and workshops that may be recommended by your counselor.
  • Maintain at least a 2.5 grade point average while completing 12 credits per quarter.
  • Contact your counselor if you need to add or drop a class to your schedule so your financial aid is not jeopardized.
  • Complete an exit interview with your counselor should you decided to leave the program.
TRIO Student Support Services Application

Contact Us

Dustin ShattuckAssistant Dean Student Support Services
Yakima Campus
509.574.4960​
Deccio Higher Ed Center, Building 8, Room 141​
Tara CurfmanTRIO Student Support Services Coordinator
Yakima Campus
509.574.4663
Raymond Hall, Building 7
Adri NavarroProgram Assistant
Grandview Campus
509.882.7041
Grandview Main, Building 56, Room 121C