Benefits
What are the perks of being an SSS participant?
Some of the FREE services and programs we provide include:
- Individualized tutoring: SSS participants are eligible for free one-on-one tutoring in a variety of academic disciplines, including math, English, chemistry, physics, biology, geology, accounting, economics, philosophy, and foreign languages. SSS also provides tutoring in other areas if at all possible. The tutoring staff consists of graduate and undergraduate students who have successfully completed the courses they are tutoring. During tutoring sessions, tutors will also provide peer advising with SSS students as needed in regard to time management, study skills, test-taking anxiety, and other issues that may be affecting a student’s academic achievement.
- Assistance with the financial aid process: Each program participant is assigned an SSS counselor who will sit down with you to assist with your financial aid application and help you understand your award package from UMBC. Counselors will also assist you in identifying alternative forms of aid available to college students.
- Academic Advising: SSS participants in general studies or pre-studies majors are advised by SSS professional staff trained by the Office for Academic and Pre-Professional Advising. During pre-registration, participants meet with their SSS advisor to plan their schedules based on University requirements and student interests. SSS staff takes the time to explore with each student the trends in employment, areas of interest, high skill areas, and prospective career paths. They will also review the student’s high school and college records, as appropriate, and work with the SSS participant to develop the most effective plan to achieve graduation.
- Variety of activities, events, and programs: SSS participants will have the opportunity to participate in a variety of social activities, cultural events, and academic programs. Examples include:
- Social activities– bowling, pizza parties, picnics, movie nights, trips
- Cultural events– theatre tickets, concerts, dinner programs
- Academic programs– time management, mid-term/finals preparation, stress reduction. To learn more about this semester’s programs and events, go to SSS News and Events.
- Computer workstations: As an SSS participant, you can use our office computer workstations, which include free printing for all students.
- Personal one-on-one support from trained SSS professionals: Each SSS participant is assigned a counselor who meets with students at least once a semester to provide assistance.
Eligibility
UMBC TRIO Student Support Services (UMBC TRIO SSS) is designed to serve undergraduate college students who meet specific program requirements. To be eligible for admission to UMBC TRIO SSS, students must meet at least one of the following criteria:
- Income: Each year, the U.S. Department of Education publishes guidelines that define low income based on family size. Click here for income guidelines.
- First Generation College Student: First-generation college students at UMBC are defined as those whose parents or legal guardians have not completed a Bachelor’s degree (neither father, mother, nor legal guardian(s) has graduated from a four-year institution) prior to the student’s 18th birthday.
- Disability: Disability refers to students with a physical or mental impairment that limits a major life activity. This includes learning disabilities. Such disabilities must be documented with the UMBC Office of Student Disability Services.
Apply
If you meet at least one of our eligibility criteria and would like to become a program participant, you must submit a completed application for evaluation by the program staff. SSS serves approximately 140 undergraduates (from first-year to senior) each year. This is a voluntary support service; thus, only by returning an application in a timely fashion do you begin the process to secure a place in the UMBC TRIO SSS Program. While applications are accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year, priority consideration will be given to students who submit by December 1st.
Click here to access our online application: SSS Application