TRIO student support logo

The SVCC Student Support Services program is here to support and assist you with your success at SVCC.

What Is TRIO Student Support Services?

The purpose of the Student Support Services (SSS) program is to increase the retention, persistence, graduation, and transfer rates of eligible low-income, first-generation college students, and students with disabilities. SSS provides academic, financial, career, and personal support services at no cost to participants to help them successfully complete their postsecondary education.

The Southside Virginia Community College Student Support Services (SSS) program is funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of Education. For the 2025-26 program year, the program is 100% funded by the U.S. Department of Education with a total award of $272,364.00.

TRIO Student Support Services offers support at no cost to participants.

Link to TRIO Application Form

Eligibility

Eligibility for participation in the TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) program is determined in accordance with federal guidelines.

To be eligible, students must:

  • Be a U.S. citizen or national, or meet eligible residency requirements

  • Be enrolled or accepted for enrollment at Southside Virginia Community College (SVCC)

  • Demonstrate a need for academic support

In addition, students must meet at least one of the following criteria:

  • Be income-eligible according to federal guidelines

  • Be a first-generation college student, generally, a student whose parent(s) did not complete a bachelor’s degree

  • Have a documented disability

Students must have a high school diploma or equivalent to be eligible for TRIO Student Support Services. Dual-enrolled high school students are not eligible to apply.

How Can TRIO Help You?

Please open these dropdown menus to see how TRIO can benefit you:

  • Academically

  • Financially

  • Personally

Academic TRIO Benefits

  • Assignment of a dedicated Student Support Services (SSS) advisor who works with you throughout your college journey

  • Individualized academic advising, including help with course selection and registration

  • Ongoing monitoring of academic progress, with early support and intervention when challenges arise

  • Assistance with academic planning and preparation for transfer to four-year colleges and universities

  • Free tutoring and referrals to additional academic support services

  • Career exploration and career readiness services to help you identify and prepare for career goals

  • Student success workshops focused on building skills such as study strategies, time management, stress management, test-taking techniques, communication skills, academic writing, and overall college readiness

Financial TRIO Benefits

  • Financial aid advising and assistance to help you understand your options

  • Support with completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

  • Financial literacy education, including budgeting, credit management, and planning for college expenses

  • Assistance in understanding financial aid programs, including grants, loans, and scholarships

  • Support with identifying and applying for scholarship opportunities

Personal TRIO Benefits

  • Individualized counseling and coaching related to academic, personal, and career development

  • Assistance with short-term and long-term academic and career goal setting

  • Crisis intervention support, including referrals to appropriate campus and community resources

  • Opportunities to participate in cultural and social activities, such as plays, concerts, art exhibits, and museum visits

  • Campus visits to four-year colleges and universities to support transfer planning

  • Early course registration, allowing TRIO SSS participants to register before the general student population

  • Career assessments for students who are undecided about academic majors or career pathways

  • Special recognition at SVCC graduation

Apply to TRIO Student Support Services

The SVCC Student Support Services Program is committed to supporting eligible students in achieving their educational goals.

To determine eligibility, students are encouraged to complete the TRIO application below or at the top of the page. A Student Support Services (TRIO) staff member will contact applicants after the application is reviewed.

Link to TRIO Application Form

If you have questions, please email trio@southside.edu or call 434-736-2064.