By Jacqueline Resendiz Morales
Staff Writer
TRIO SSS (Student Support System) is aimed at helping disadvantaged students on campus.
The program is funded with a five-year grant by the U.S. Department of Education and is staffed partly with Toro alumni who benefitted from the program.
Elizabeth Hanna, a Cal State Dominguez Hills alumna, became TRIO director in March.
“Program participants are offered an array of services, such as academic advising, academic and personal support, a computer lab with free printing access, tutoring services, graduate school assistance, campus tours, financial literacy education, priority registration and much more,” she said.
The program serves 160 students and is “designed to increase the retention rates of the disadvantaged students and increase graduation rates,” Hannah said.
Are you eligible?
To be able to participate in the program you have to be a U.S. citizen, first-generation, low-income or disabled.
TRIO SSS is made up of a team of seven that help the students succeed and make the best of their college experiences.
They understand participants of the program because “three out of the four TRIO SSS staff members are TRIO alumni, two of which are CSUDH alumna.” Hannah said. “Go, Toros!”
“One of our goals is to ensure that new participants feel supported during their transition to CSUDH as well as that they receive ongoing support until they graduate with their bachelor’s,” she said.
So how does TRIO help members understand what TRIO stands for, build skills to create and grow connections, create self-seeking and mental health skills?
“We go on field trips,” Hannah said. “We plan graduate school tours with the intention to explore graduate school programs. For example, in September, TRIO SSS traveled with 20 participants to CSU, Sacramento and UC Berkeley.
“We were given a campus tour and reviewed/discussed available graduate programs at each institution. We also explored a cultural activity and spent the day at Alcatraz Island. Additionally, in August, TRIO SSS hosted a First Year Experience Retreat and welcomed 25 new participants.”
Interested in TRIOS?
For more information, visit them in the East Academic Complex Building 300 or watch their videos on YouTube at TRiO SSS at CSU Dominguez Hills.
