Become a TRIO student

The goal of TRIO Student Support Services is to ensure qualified students get the support they need to complete their educational goals at KCC - which could include earning an associates degree- and smoothly transfer to a college or university to complete baccalaureate degrees.

Completing a college degree can be one of the most rewarding experiences in life. Studies show that as the amount of education beyond high school increases, so does the positive life experiences. Individuals with higher education earn more money, have improved self-esteem, serve as positive role models for youth and are more culturally and socially developed. Join TRIO and gain a mentor/counselor/friend to guide you through the stages of your college career.

Benefits of TRIO Student Support Services:

• Individualized counseling - each student will build a working relationship with a counselor.
• Academic planning - each student will have a long-range, semester-by-semester plan.
• Peer counseling - seasoned students will assist students who are being challenged personally or academically.
• Exposure to cultural events - arrangement will be made for students to attend free concerts, theater productions, lectures, symphony performances and other cultural events both locally, in the Chicago area and throughout Illinois.
• Career development activities - realistic career planning will be offered using the latest in state and government statistics on job availability and salary ranges.
• Help when transferring - assistance will be provided with the admissions procedures and financial assistance at four-year colleges. Mentoring programs at the four-year colleges also will involve faculty and/or upper class students.
• Personal assistance with financial aid and scholarship applications.

Eligibility
To participate in TRIO Student Support Services, a student must:

• Be a U.S. citizen
• Be enrolled, or be accepted for enrollment at KCC in a transferable program
• Need educational support to succeed in college
• Be one of the following: financial aid eligible, first generation (neither parent has a bachelor's degree) or disabled.

For more information or for a TRIO Student Support Services program application, phone Kim Harpin, assistant director, at (815) 802-8472 or e-mail kharpin@kcc.edu.