TRIO Student Support Services
TRIO is a federally funded program that supports students at Albion College by building community, developing strategies for academic success, and offering resources for continued learning beyond college. Our mission is to increase retention and graduation rates at Albion for our TRIO Brits.
Student Support Services is a four-year program designed to support participants from their first year through graduation. A part of TRIO SSS is the TRIO Summer Bridge, which is designed for incoming freshmen. Students can apply to TRIO at any time until the end of the first semester of their junior year and do not have to attend the TRIO Summer Bridge Program to be eligible to participate in TRIO.
What is TRIO Student Support Services (SSS)?
TRIO Student Support Services begins each year with the Summer Bridge program for incoming freshmen. Summer Bridge programming includes financial aid and literacy counseling, college success strategies, campus cultural events, and meeting faculty and staff. We then transition to the academic year programming that includes success coaching, peer-mentoring, financial aid and literacy counseling, TRIO 101 & 201, college visits, and cultural trips. Most importantly, our students do these activities together, creating community and peer-to-peer relationships, which can last beyond graduation.
Who is Eligible for Albion College TRIO?
As a federally funded program, we are only able to consider U.S. citizens, permanent residents pursuing their first bachelor’s degree.
They must also meet at least one of the following criteria:
- First-generation – primary parent, caregiver, or guardian has not earned a bachelor’s degree by the time you turned 18.
- Your family’s taxable income (after deductions) meets federal income eligibility guidelines based on household size.
- You have a documented permanent physical or learning disability that impacts your educational experience with the college’s Accessibility Services.
- TRIO Student Support Services reserves the right to consider life circumstances and other criteria that may impact student eligibility. A sub-committee of TRIO-SSS and Albion College staff determine acceptance and document final decisions.
Interested in becoming a TRIO Brit? Albion College students are welcome to complete our application. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Please note that submission of an application is not direct acceptance into the TRIO program.
What are the benefits of joining our TRIO program?
A wide range of academic, cultural, and career learning opportunities, including:
- Summer Bridge for Incoming Freshman only
- Holistic advising
- Academic support
- Community/Peer Mentor support
- Financial literacy
- Cultural visits
- Graduate school assistance and visits
- Post-college exploration
- Member of a national network of TRIO students and TRIO alumni
Apply to TRIO
Whether you are interested in joining TRIO through the TRIO Summer Bridge Program or not, please fill out the application using the link below. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Submission of an application is not a direct acceptance into the TRIO program.
TRIO-Student Support Services Application
TRIO SSS ApplicationTRIO Summer Bridge
As newly accepted students, you have the unique opportunity to kickstart your TRIO Student Support Services journey with the Summer Bridge (SB) Program. This program is designed to equip you with college success strategies, immerse you in enriching cultural experiences, and introduce you to your new faculty and staff. But what truly sets this experience apart is the chance to do all these activities together, fostering a sense of community and peer-to-peer relationships that will endure long after graduation.
The TRIO SSS Summer Bridge Program will run from Tuesday, July 23, 2024 – Tuesday, August 20, 2024, at which point students will begin their Albion College orientation program, Albion-O, on Wednesday, August 21, 2024, and complete their TRIO Summer Bridge Program.
As part of the TRIO Summer Bridge Program, you will engage in a comprehensive curriculum that covers Bridge to College Writing, Bridge to College Success, and Bridge to College Wellness, earning a full unit towards your degree.
In the Bridge to College Writing course, students will explore and develop their readiness for college through reflective and playful writing practice. This course is designed to offer students a sneak-peek at college academic life, introduce them to institutional resources, and to help them develop healthy academic habits that will equip them for a successful start to college.
The Bridge to College Success Course is designed to equip incoming first-year Albion College students with the essential “street skills” and knowledge needed to thrive both academically and personally as a Briton. The course will provide insights on key strategies for academic success through: study habits and techniques, effective time management and scheduling, goal setting, communicating with professors, engaging with course material, class preparation, locating and utilizing appropriate on-campus offices/services, and more. Through hands-on experiences, short lessons, on-campus field trips, and group discussions, students will gain practical tools to enhance their college experience and achieve their educational goals. This course will be a stepping stone towards a successful and fulfilling college journey.
Finally, students will participate in Bridge to College Wellness, This introductory short-course is designed to support incoming first-year Albion College students through learning and practice of behaviors and strategies to maintain and improve physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being during their time as a Brit. Transitioning to life at college can be both exciting and stressful, and learning how to manage personal health during this transition can be crucial for overall success. The course will offer practical insights into nutrition, exercise, stress management, sleep, hygiene, mental health, and spiritual health. In addition to visiting and learning about the various services offered on campus, students will engage in short lessons, group discussions, self-reflection, experiential learning, and ultimately create a personalized wellness plan to help them sustain a balanced and healthy lifestyle aimed at excelling both inside and outside of the classroom.
You will also embark on a day trip to Sherman Lake, fostering team building and experiential learning.
To participate in the TRIO Summer Bridge Program, please complete the TRIO SSS application. Once the application is complete, we will send you more detailed information.
We understand that you may have questions or concerns, and we want to assure you that we are here to support you every step of the way. Please feel free to reach out to either Jennifer Yawson or Jackie Gutierrez, who will be more than happy to assist you with any TRIO Summer Bridge Program questions.
Jackie Gutierrez
TRIO Student Support Services Program Director
Office: 109
Email: jgutierrez@albion.edu
Phone: 517-629-0950
Jennifer Yawson
TRIO SSS Program Coordinator and Success Coach
Office: 106
Email: jyawson@albion.edu
Phone: 517-629-0950