TRIO Programs

In this Section

TRIO logoFRCC proudly supports students through four TRIO programs—TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) programs at each of our campuses and an Upward Bound program that helps Westminster High School students prepare for college success.

What is TRIO?

TRIO is a group of federally funded programs that provide a supportive community to help students from limited-income backgrounds, first-generation college students and individuals with documented disabilities succeed academically. These programs are designed to motivate and guide students as they progress through the educational journey—from middle school to college graduation.

At FRCC, we're proud to offer three TRIO SSS programs for enrolled FRCC students and a TRIO Upward Bound program for students at Westminster High School.

Student Support Services (SSS): College Student

TRIO SSS is a program designed to provide a community of support to FRCC students who are from limited income, are first generation college students and/or students with documented disabilities. TRIO SSS provides wraparound services that promote academic, personal and professional growth—as well as assistance in navigating the student experience, financial aid and financial literacy.

TRIO SSS provides a positive environment where students' voices, experiences and dreams are valued, cultivated and inspired to grow. Research shows that SSS participants have higher rates of student retention, transfer and credit completion, as well as improved GPAs. They also graduate at higher rates than their peers—41% vs. 28% at two-year colleges and 48% vs. 40% at four-year colleges (Source: Center for Opportunities in Education).

Learn More About TRIO SSS

Upward Bound (UB): High School Students

The Front Range Community College TRIO Upward Bound (FRCC TRIO UB) Program serves as a supportive learning community to assist 60 Westminster High School students and their families each year—helping them navigate educational and career pathways. Once admitted to the program, participants receive holistic support to complete high school graduation requirements and pursue a post-secondary education at a college of their choice.

TRIO Upward Bound

TRIO FAQs

Who is a first-generation college student?

A first-generation college student is a student whose parents or guardians have not earned a bachelor’s degree. In other words, they are the first in their family to complete a four-year college degree.

Who is eligible to participate in TRIO Programs?

  • To participate in TRIO programs, students must:

    • Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
    • Meet program-specific criteria

Student Support Services (SSS) criteria:

  • For students enrolled at FRCC
  • You may qualify if you
    • are a first-generation college student
      OR
    • come from a limited-income household OR
    • have a documented disability

Upward Bound (UB) criteria:

  • For students attending Westminster High School
  • You may qualify if you are a first-generation college student and/or come from a limited-income household

What can I use for income verification?

For TRIO programs, income verification is used to determine whether a student meets federal guidelines for “limited-income” eligibility. Below are common documents and methods accepted for income verification.

For the TRIO SSS program:

  • Federal Tax Returns. Most recent IRS Form 1040 (student or parents/guardians, if dependent)

  • Verification from another governmental source

    Government Assistance Records (SNAP, TANF, or SSI award letters)

For the TRIO Upward Bound program:

Eligibility is determined through the original program application. When you apply, you provide information about your family income and whether you are a first-generation college student.

I have a documented disability. Will TRIO SSS provide accommodations?

Accommodations for SSS Scholars are provided through your campus Disability Support Services (DSS) office. TRIO SSS works closely with DSS to support you, but SSS itself does not provide accommodations.

Disability Support Services

I am a transfer student; can I still apply to the TRIO SSS program?

Yes! Students transferring into FRCC are welcome to apply to the TRIO SSS program and can receive the same support as other students.

What if I applied last year and didn't get in?

Please apply again! Your situation may have changed, and you could now be eligible to join the program.

Questions?

Boulder County Campus & Westminster Campus

Angela Rodriguez, MA

Director

 

Larimer Campus TRIO SSS

Coming Soon!

 

Upward Bound

Adrian Ramirez, MS

Director