TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) at Sandburg is part of a nationwide program dedicated to giving you the best chance to enter and graduate from college. While you're here, we provide the resources, support, and academic advising to help you succeed every step of the way.
At TRIO, we believe success is about more than just grades — it’s about thriving as a whole person. With TRIO, you’ll gain the tools and support to grow both academically and personally.
As a TRIO participant, you’ll gain access to an array of resources to help you thrive. Enjoy cultural activities, career and major exploration, peer mentoring and skill-building workshops. Need academic support or tutoring connections? We’ve got you covered. Plus, our financial literacy programs help you stay on track toward your goals. Everything we offer helps support your growth and guide you toward academic and career success.
TRIO Connections orientation
Kick off your college journey with our TRIO Connections Orientation! Held each August, this day-long event helps you meet fellow TRIO students and start building your support network.
Academic advising
Your TRIO advisor is here to help you succeed. We take a personalized, strengths-based approach to help you identify your unique abilities and interests. Together, we’ll create an academic plan that aligns with your goals, ensuring you’re on the path to success and making the most of your college experience.
Priority registration
As a TRIO participant, you get early access to course registration, giving you the opportunity to plan your schedule up to two weeks in advance of regular registration. It’s our way of helping you stay on track and stress-free while building the semester that works best for you!
Transfer assistance
As transfer experts, we help you navigate every step — from researching options, arranging campus visits, completing applications, securing application fee waivers and understanding and applying for financial aid. Our goal is to make sure you’re confident and ready to thrive beyond Sandburg.
Financial aid & scholarship advising
We know paying for college can be tough. TRIO will help you understand the financial aid process and find scholarships to ease the burden.
Cultural activities
Expand your horizons! TRIO offers activities and trips that give you exciting new cultural experiences beyond the classroom.
Access to technology
We’ve got you covered. TRIO offers free tech checkouts and a spacious computer lab to support your studies.
Career & major exploration
We’ll help you explore potential careers and majors with one-on-one meetings, career assessments,and even job shadowing to create a roadmap for life after college.
Tutoring
Need extra help with classwork? We connect you with the Tutoring Center and resources for personalized support to keep you on track.
Academic support
Do you want to get organized and study more effectively? TRIO offers personalized study tips, helpful workshops, and resources to keep you on track and set you up for academic success.
Financial literacy
Managing college expenses can be tricky — and life can get expensive. Our team will guide you on how to budget, save and make smart financial decisions.
Peer mentoring
Sometimes, it helps to get advice from someone who’s been there. Every TRIO student is matched with a peer mentor to provide guidance through your first year and beyond.
Success skills & writing workshops
Our workshops cover everything from time management to writing skills. We’ll equip you with the tools you need to thrive in college and beyond.
A space for you
Our space on campus is your space — a welcoming spot where you can study, relax or just take a break. Whether you need a quiet place to focus or a comfy corner to unwind, we’re always here for you.
We have fun, too!
TRIO isn’t just about academics — we know how to have a good time! From group outings to campus activities and celebrations, we make sure you enjoy the journey while building friendships and unforgettable memories.
Frequently asked questions
Can anyone participate in TRIO SSS?
To join TRIO SSS, you need to meet the eligibility criteria, complete an application, and go through a brief interview. We want to make sure TRIO is the right fit for you.
Why should I become a TRIO SSS student?
TRIO SSS offers personalized support and guidance to help you succeed at Sandburg and in your future transfer to a four-year school. As a TRIO student, you'll have access to resources and opportunities that aren’t available to other students on campus.
How much of my time will this take?
Our services are flexible. We work with your schedule and are available through text, video chats, phone, email or face-to-face meetings. We love staying connected with our students; so the more involved you are, the more support and benefits you'll get!
If I join the program, who's my academic advisor?
You’ll meet with a TRIO SSS advisor for all your advising needs. From class registration to degree planning, we’re here to support you every step of the way.
How much does it cost to join the program?
Absolutely nothing! TRIO SSS services are completely free for participants, thanks to a grant from the U.S. Department of Education.
Who do I contact if I have questions?
Call the TRIO SSS office at 309.341.5497, email sdescalzo@sandburg.edu, or stop by E136 on the Galesburg campus.
You qualify for TRIO if you’re:
- A U.S. citizen or permanent resident
- Enrolled in an associate of arts (AA), associate of science (AS) or associate of fine arts (AFA) degree program on the Galesburg campus and planning to transfer to a four-year college or university
Participants must also meet one or more of the following criteria:
- First-generation college student (neither parent has a four-year/bachelor’s degree).
- Income-eligible based on federal income guidelines
- Have a documented physical or learning disability
We want you in TRIO! Join today, and take charge of your future!
TRIO application
TRIO Student Support Services is 100% funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of Education. The total funding for the 2024-25 fiscal year is $272,364.
The TRIO SSS staff is responsible for the following prescribed standards and principles.
Ethics statement
The TRIO SSS staff is responsible for the following prescribed standards and principles, which apply to the services provided in the professional relationship with program participants, colleagues, staff, faculty, administration and the community.
The TRIO Student Support Services staff:
- Does their best to fulfill the mission of Sandburg and the TRIO Student Support Services program.
- Operates within the highest moral and ethical standards for conduct and service.
- Does the job with integrity, compassion and respect for individual differences/choices with other staff, coworkers, faculty, administration and students.
- Provides support and services to help meet the needs of the program participants with emphasis on promoting academic and personal growth.
- Encourages and advocates for participants against unethical and/or illegal practices or actions by other individuals or organizations engaged in providing support or services.
- Won’t discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability, national ancestry or veteran status and works to eliminate or prevent such discrimination in providing support by working with students, staff, faculty and the administration.
- Respects confidentiality for program participants and protect their right to privacy.
- Refrains from entering into a multiple-relationship situation with a student if the relationship could reasonably be expected to impair the staff person’s objectivity, competence or effectiveness in performing their job functions.
- Strives to ensure the fair, objective and impartial treatment of all participants and employees of the college and community.
- Ensures accuracy of all written and electronic documentation of services provided.
- Ensures all program funds are appropriately managed in accordance with established and responsible accounting procedures and are spent within the federal allowable cost guidelines.
- Doesn’t participate in any form of harassment that demeans persons or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive environment.
- Performs work duties within the limits of their training, expertise and competence. When these limits are exceeded, the student must be referred to the appropriate qualified professional.
- Refrains from intentionally soliciting or accepting gifts from students. If the gift is of minimal value such as food items, the staff person may accept the gift on behalf of the program and share it with other students and staff members.
- Reports to the program director or dean of student success other staff members who exhibit unethical behavior or violations to the above statements.
View our non-discrimination policy.