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TRIO Program at Thomas College

TRIO Student Support Services is a dedicated community for eligible students, fostering academic excellence and personal growth. As your go-to support system on campus, TRIO SSS emphasizes academic, financial, and personal development through personalized success coaching, peer connections, financial literacy, intensive courses, workshop and trips.

TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) is funded by the Department of Education to support students who are first-generation, from modest income families and/or students who have a disability be successful throughout their time here at Thomas. Our staff is comprised of caring and dedicated professionals whose goal is to help each of our TRIO students reach their full potential.

Students who are actively involved with TRIO are more likely than their peers from similar backgrounds to remain in good academic standing throughout their time at Thomas and graduate with a bachelor’s degree! TRIO is always an amazing way to build connections with your peers, faculty and staff.

“My TRIO specialist has taken so much stress off of me which has allowed me to put my mental and physical energy into focusing more on my academic success and well-being, instead of worrying about things like figuring out how I’m going to pay for next semester.”

– Emilee Ireland, Current TRIO Participant

Benefits of TRIO

Students in the TRIO program are matched with a dedicated success coach who acts as their main support system from program acceptance through graduation. Through one-on-one meetings, students and success coaches foster strong connections and develop individualized success plans that build upon each student’s strengths to support their academic, financial and social development and empower students to reach their full potential.

TRIO offers resources and support for TRIO student families to bridge the gap between home and school. Each year, TRIO sends home information regarding key college resources, TRIO offerings and key college dates. When appropriate, TRIO can also support participants’ families navigate the college experience.

TRIO offers support in various aspects of college financing, including scholarship searches, FAFSA assistance, post-graduation planning, and exclusive scholarships for eligible students. Our program also features student-led one-on-one support and workshops by our Peer Financial Literacy Ambassador (PFLA).

At the end of May, TRIO Student Support Services offers an intensive course for eligible TRIO Student Support Services participants. This course allows students to earn a free three-credit course in 5 days that counts toward their degree completion.
Guaranteed Job Program & Graduate/Professional School Coaching: TRIO provides success coaching for post-Thomas goals including job placement and/or graduate school exploration. TRIO participants will work closely with their success coach to explore options, articulate goals, and ensure that participants are meeting appropriate deadlines and requirements. The Guaranteed Job Program™ is a unique benefit to all qualifying students at Thomas College.

TRIO offers peer-led on- and off-campus programs to equip students with the leadership skills and career readiness needed to excel in their professional and community roles. Students also have the opportunity to participate in unique cultural experiences throughout the state of Maine and the greater New England Community. Previous trips include Boston, Salem, Portland, and NYC!

Students who are interested in TRIO participation should complete the application linked below. The link will direct you to sign into your myThomas account and complete an online application. Once submitted, the TRIO Director will review the application and reach out to students via email regarding their eligibility. Feel free to reach out to the TRIO Director with any questions.

Phone Numbers

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