The TRIO SSS program helps students overcome economic, social, and academic boundaries to higher education by assisting with basic college requirements and providing students with needed services and support.
We are invested in your success!
We are a committed team of staff, tutors, and mentors that will help you shape your signature student experience by creating a personalized Academic Success and Career Plan. This plan, combined with the effort of your team and your personal motivation to succeed, will help guide you through your first two years of college.
Service and Resources Provided
Student Support Services is a TRIO program that provides opportunities for academic development, assists students with basic college requirements, and serves to motivate students towards the successful completion of their postsecondary education. The SSS program may also provide grant aid to current SSS participants who are receiving Federal Pell Grants. The goal of SSS is to increase the college retention and graduation rates of its participants and facilitate the process of transition from one level of higher education to the next. The Student Support Services program at SKC serves 230 students from low-income and/or first-generation backgrounds or with disabilities each year.
Academic, financial advising.
Assistance in securing admission and financial aid for enrollment.
Information for tutoring services on campus.
Campus visits (UM and MSU) and cultural trips.
Individualized or group tutoring.
Math / English skill assistance.
Workshops- Times TBA; workshops may be subject to time change and venue changes.
Computer Lab.
Textbook Loan Program.
Applying to TRIO SSS
TRIO SSS Eligibility Requirements: participants must be an admitted SKC student and meet at least one, and preferably two, of the following three requirements:
- Income eligible as defined by the U.S. Department of Education
- Be from a family from which neither parent or guardian has a bachelor’s degree
- Have a documented disability and be registered with SKC's campus Disability Services.
How to Apply
TRIO SSS Grant Aid
TRIO Student Support Services Grant Aid is made possible through funds from the U.S. Department of Education to eligible TRIO SSS students on an annual basis. The purpose of Grant Aid is to assist in supporting the successful progress toward and achievement of academic goals.
Please attach a typed, 1 to 2 page essay that includes: (Double Space w/ 12 Font required.)
- A brief introduction
- Your academic major & goals in addition to how many credits you need to complete an Associate’s degree.
- Insert, if applicable, your plans to transfer into a four-year degree program or institution and when you plan to graduate.
- Your career goals.
- Please tell us your need for this grant.
- Conclude with a paragraph on how the TRIO SSS program has either had an impact or benefitted you during your time as an SKC college student.
Department of Education Requirements:
- A student must be in their first 2 years of post-secondary education
- Must be receiving a Federal Pell Grant
- Unmet need is not less than the award amount.
SKC TRIO Student Support Services Requirements:
- Must attend TWO Financial Literacy workshops put on by the TRIO SSS Dept. (Either Fall or Winter Qtr)
- Completed Grant Aid application and essay
- Verification form
- Personal Success Plan
- Fall/Winter/Spring class schedule OR current transcript (Does not need to be official)
- Financial Needs Analysis for Spring quarter. Must have an unmet need. (Get from the Financial Aid Office first week of classes)
- Students must not have any overdue books or other resources (need to be checked in)
(Students enrolled for the full school year and have not received Grant Aid twice will get first priority)
All applicants will be scored on:
- Unmet Need
- Overall GPA and for the Fall & Winter terms
- Attendance at workshops/coffee hours
- Utilization of SSS Resources such as Tutoring, Books, Computer Lab
- Application Essay
Meet Jade Dempsey, one of 12 Montana College Students awarded the 2023 Montana Student Volunteer Award. Her inspiring commitment to community service includes raising thousands of dollars for the Ronald McDonald House and collecting donations for Boys and Girls Club and Safe Harbor.
"Read more" to learn about Jade's amazing work.
Student Testimonials
Meet the Team
Allen Addison
Assistant Director/Data Specialist
Robert Depoe III Bldg, Rm 129
allen_addison@skc.edu
406-275-4980
Sunshine Gaither
TRIO Student Success Coach
Robert Depoe III Bldg, Rm 129
sunshine_gaither@skc.edu
406-275-4797
Apply now and enjoy a unique educational experience that blends Western academic knowledge with Native American perspectives and practices. Benefit from smaller class sizes, personalized attention, and opportunities for hands-on learning and research. Join a supportive community that values cultural diversity and academic excellence, and prepare for a successful career and leadership role in your community. Apply today and start your journey towards a brighter future at SKC!