By Josue Villa
Special to In Motion
Photos by Amber Lynn Boutot / In Motion
Funded under Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965, TRIO is a nationwide educational opportunity program designed to help low income and disabled Americans overcome class, social and cultural barriers to higher education.
The term “TRIO” emerged in the late 1960s from its three original core programs: Upward Bound, Talent Search, and Student Support Services. Upward Bound helps first generation high school students prepare for college, while Talent Search serves young students in grades 6-12 with counseling. Student Support Services, originally known as Special Services for Disadvantaged Students, became the third program in 1968 and concentrates on assisting college students with staying in school until they earn their baccalaureate degrees.
Many eligible students at Daytona State College, unfortunately, are unaware of Student Support Services and the benefits it has to offer due to its low publicity.
“We definitely want to change that,” says Rabecka Collins, a transition specialist with SSS, in response to the issue.
According to Collins, students often come in saying that they hear about the program through word of mouth rather than the TRIO SSS brochure that is accessible throughout the campus.
Vanessa Bouey, Associate Director of SSS, agrees and was once a student whom was eligible, but unaware. “I wish I would have known about TRIO while I was in school,” she says.
It is clear that something must be done for students to be alert of the opportunities that are available for them. One can start by determining if they are eligible or not. Students must either be a first generation college student, demonstrate financial need, or have a documented physical or learning disability in order to qualify for Student Support Services.
Once in the program, students are provided with many benefits including academic advising, skill enhancement workshops, private tutoring, major university transfer assistance, cultural enrichment trips, and grant aid (for Pell eligible students only). These services are established in order for students to not only maximize their potential during college, but also prepare them for life after graduation.
The most important aspect of SSS, arguably, is the academic advising. SSS students who qualify by being first generation college students can benefit the most from this service, due to not having anyone they can ask for advice about college. Each SSS student is assigned a personal counselor for the duration of their enrollment at Daytona State College in order to gain familiarity with one another.
“We just love helping the students. I miss getting to know the students like I used to be able to know them,” says Bouey when asked what she missed most from her counseling days. She also mentioned how it has been a learning curve after being promoted to manager of TRIO SSS in 2010 after counseling for the program since 2003. Direct contact with students is now minimal because of having to deal with budget, paperwork, and meetings as Associate Director.
Chanel Jones, a freshman SSS student at Daytona State College, is one who expresses how beneficial it is to have a personal adviser with TRIO.
“They really help with getting into college and registering. They helped me fill out financial aid documents and also helped me understand Florida Online when I first got here,” she says.
According to the official TRIO Student Support Services brochure, students participating in the program are twice as likely to graduate with a bachelor’s degree than students with similar backgrounds whom are not participants. Those who fit the criteria are encouraged to check out their brochure and inquire about TRIO SSS in the Baker Academic Support Center, Bldg. 500, Rm. 110 or by calling 386-506-3634.