Student Support Services — TRIO

The Student Support Services (SSS) – TRIO program at U of I is here to help you succeed academically, personally and professionally. Whether you’re the first in your family to attend college, come from a limited-income background or have a documented disability, we’re here to support your educational and personal goals.

From one-on-one advising and tutoring to scholarships, mentoring and leadership opportunities, TRIO gives you the tools and guidance you need to succeed at U of I and beyond.

What we offer

Academic and personal support

• Individual academic advising and goal setting
• One-on-one and small group tutoring (1-2 hours a week per class)
• Educational and career planning
• College Success Strategies course for incoming SSS-TRIO freshmen
• Learning strategies and study skills
• Financial aid guidance and personal finance workshops
• Fall orientation for new students
• Access to emergency funding support
• Advocacy, cultural events and referrals to campus resources

SSS-TRIO Peer Mentoring Program

The SSS-TRIO Peer Mentoring Program connects you with an experienced student who’s walked a similar path. Your mentor will help you adjust to college life, navigate academic challenges and discover leadership and involvement opportunities on campus.

Program goals include:

• Helping you connect to campus and community resources
• Encouraging academic success and involvement
• Building leadership skills and peer support networks
• Improving retention and graduation outcomes

Learn how to become a mentor or mentee on Inside U of I

SSS-TRIO scholarships

Each spring, active SSS-TRIO participants may be eligible for scholarships ranging from $650–$1,000 based on financial need, academic performance and program engagement.

Eligibility requirements include:

• Active participation during the prior fall semester
• Completion of FAFSA with Pell Grant eligibility and unmet financial need
• Minimum 2.0 GPA and at least nine completed credits
• Priority given to freshmen and sophomores

Who can join SSS-TRIO?

To qualify for SSS-TRIO, you must:

• Be a U.S. citizen or legal resident
• Demonstrate academic need
• Be admitted to and plan to graduate from University of Idaho
• Meet at least one of the following:
  • First-generation college student
  • From a limited-income household (based on federal criteria)
  • Have a documented disability

Enrollment is limited and accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Once accepted, you'll create a personalized educational plan with your SSS-TRIO advisor.

About U of I’s TRIO programs

TRIO programs were created by Congress to expand access to higher education for students from all walks of life — especially those who are first-generation, low-income or have disabilities.

Launched under the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964, TRIO now supports nearly 800,000 students through more than 2,800 programs across the U.S. These programs help students succeed in college, graduate and pursue meaningful careers.

At University of Idaho, TRIO programs have been consistently funded since their inception, reflecting our strong commitment to educational opportunity and student success.