TRiO Basics
Academic Advising
Peer Mentoring
Academic Support
TRiO Lab
The Student Support Services (TRiO/SSS) Program provides support and assistance to help students complete their academic studies at Iowa Western Community College and transfer to a 4 year college or university to complete a Bachelors Degree. SSS serves first-generation, low-income, and disability students. The SSS professional staff provides individualized services that address specific needs of students as they confront the challenges of completing a college degree. SSS is funded by the U.S. Department of Education and serves 175 participants each academic year. A wide range of services are provided to assist students. Please visit the other SSS Program links to learn more about what we can do for you!
What is TRiO?
Our nation has asserted a commitment to providing educational opportunity for all Americans regardless of race, ethnic background or economic circumstance. In support of this commitment, Congress established a series of programs to help low-income American enter college, graduate and move on to participate more fully in the America’s economic and social life. These programs are funded under Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 and are referred to as the TRiO Programs. The name "TRiO” came from the first three initial programs: Upward Bound, Student Support Services, and Talent Search. While student financial aid programs help students overcome financial barriers to higher education, TRiO programs help students overcome class, social, and cultural barriers to higher education.