TRIO - Student Support Services

The TRIO/SSS program is designed to assist low-income, first-generation, and students with disabilities with completing their associate degree at Western Iowa Tech and successfully transfer to a four-year college or university. We create a welcoming, supportive environment that inspires students to reach their fullest potential and successfully graduate college. We build relationships with students and maintain strong partnerships with community resources. TRIO - Student Support Services is available at our Sioux City, Cherokee and Denison campuses.

Services

The TRIO/SSS program provides an abundance of services to help students be successful:

• Academic advising and selecting appropriate courses
• Campus visits to four-year schools and universities
• Career exploration and preparation (mock interviews, resume building, etc.)
• Community cultural activities and events 
• Financial aid application (FAFSA) assistance 
• Informational workshops (transfer counseling, financial literacy, etc.)
• Mentoring program for leadership development
• One-on-one professional and peer tutoring 
• Personal, academic, and financial aid counseling
• Scholarship searches and scholarship application assistance
• Transfer counseling and transfer admissions assistance

Eligibility

To be accepted into TRIO/SSS, you must be a US citizen or have a permanent resident card and meet at least one the following criteria:

• Be a first-generation college student.
• Meet federal income guidelines.
• Have a documented disability.

Funding Sources

The TRIO Student Support Services program is federally funded by the United States Department of Education. The Sioux City campus receives $323,727 per year for a period of five years (September 1, 2020 - August 31, 2025) and serves 175 students. The Cherokee and Denison campuses of Western Iowa Tech Community College receives $261,888 per year for a period of five years (September 1, 2020 - August 31, 2025) and serves 140 students.