TRIO Eligibility and Interest Forms

Eligibility

To be eligible for the TRIO SSS Classic or DSS program, you must be:

• A U.S. Citizen, U.S. National, or Permanent Resident
• Enrolled, or enrolling soon at Pierce College for your first associate degree

Additionally, you must meet at least one of the following criteria:

• Be a first-generation college student. You are a "first generation" college student if you meet  one of the following three criteria:
  • A student neither of whose natural or adoptive parents received a baccalaureate (4-year) degree
  • A student who, prior to the age of 18, regularly resided with and received support from only one parent and whose supporting parent did not receive a baccalaureate degree; or
  • An individual who, prior to the age of 18, did not regularly reside with or receive support from a natural or adoptive parent.
• Be income eligible. You can view the most recent chart at the Department of Education website. Find the size of your family in the chart then use your most recent tax return to determine if your family’s taxable income fell at or below the figure in the next column. Our staff can also help you determine if you meet the federal income guidelines.
• Have a disability documented through either your licensed medical provider or through the Pierce College Access and Disability Services Office. 
• You plan to transfer to a four-year college or university immediately after obtaining an associate degree from Pierce College. Transferring to a Pierce College Bachelors program upon completion of an associate degree is acceptable.
• You have an academic need based on at least one of the following:
  • Enrolled or Guided Self-Placement in Math 88/98, or any English or Math co-req class.
  • Earned a GED.
  • Have been out of school for five or more years and this is your first quarter.
  • Additional qualifiers for academic need may include low grade point average, undecided major, or limited English proficiency.

TRIO SSS Interest Forms

If you believe you are eligible and are interested in meeting with TRIO SSS staff for more information about joining the program, please fill out an interest form based on your preferred campus.