Miami’s TRIO Student Support Services receives $1.36 million five-year grant renewal
TRIO program supports up to 140 students at Miami University per year to help them achieve their degree goals
Miami’s TRIO Student Support Services receives $1.36 million five-year grant renewal
Miami University Regionals TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) has received a five-year grant renewal for 2025 through 2030 from the Department of Education. The $1.36 million grant will serve up to 140 students per year for five years.
TRIO is a set of federally-funded college opportunity programs that motivate and support students whose educational and economic background can make the pursuit of a college degree difficult. Student Support Services supports first-generation college students, Pell Grant recipients, or who have a documented disability.
Nationwide, more than 850,000 Pell recipients, first-generation students and students with disabilities from sixth grade through college graduation are served by more than 2,800 programs.
In the ten years since the program started at Miami, 144 SSS students have graduated with their bachelor’s degree and 26 completed their associate degree.
SSS provides academic tutoring, personal counseling, mentoring, financial guidance, and other support so students can focus on earning their degree. In addition to weekly sessions with their personal success coach, participants take part in a variety of workshops focused on academic skills and strategies, professional and career development, and leadership.
“TRIO has been a huge help to me and my academic career, they have been there for me every step of the way at Miami,” said Cheyenne Partridge, who graduated in December 2024. “I tell everyone who will listen how wonderful and helpful they are whether it is visiting grad schools, receiving my cap and gown from them or simply someone in your corner cheering me on.”
Current student Mark White said, “TRIO gives me the tools I need to stay organized, reduce stress, and stay focused on graduating. Just knowing there's a team that genuinely cares about my success has been incredibly motivating.”
Amy Gutierrez commented “When I first joined, I met many new people who were always willing to help, whether it was with advice on classes or personal matters … Applying to TRIO was one of the best decisions I ever made, and I genuinely appreciate all the help I received from my counselor and the entire TRIO program."
Miami’s TRIO team includes director Lois Brown, and success coaches Melanie Fields (Hamilton) and Melissa Carrion (Middletown).
Brown shared that the program has been fully enrolled for several years. There is often a waiting list, and spaces open as students graduate throughout the year or transfer to another institution.
Miami’s TRIO SSS program staff are delighted that the program has been continued for the next five year grant cycle, and are proud to have received the highest score possible on last year’s annual performance report.
To learn more about the program contact the Student Support Services staff at TRIOSSS@MiamiOH.edu.
