The Federal TRIO Programs (TRIO) are outreach and student services programs designed to identify and provide services for individuals with varying needs. TRIO includes many different programs targeted to serve and assist students to access and complete college. Students in TRIO programs can progress through the academic pipeline starting in middle school to post-baccalaureate programs. TRIO students includes those that are first in their families to go to college, have a limited income, or have a disability. Below are the current programs at Grand Valley State University.

Pre-College Programs

Assisting middle school students, high school students, or returning adults in preparing for college entrance. These programs support in the exploration, admissions, and acceptance to, the college or university of their choice. Please click on the links to the right for more information.

Educational Talent Search

TRIO Educational Talent Search (formerly Educational Connections) is a program that assists low-income and first generation students to persist to the next grade level, graduate from high school, and enroll in the college of their choice after high school graduation. It also assists students who are returning to college who have not completed a bachelor's degree, as well as high school and middle school dropouts, to resume their education

Upward Bound

Upward Bound provides fundamental support to participants in their preparation for college entrance. The program provides opportunities for participants to succeed in their high school performance and ultimately in their higher education pursuits

Veterans Upward Bound

TRIO VUB

College Programs

College TRIO programs help students to successfully persist in college and obtain a degree. Programs include support for students pursuing undergraduate and/or graduate degrees. Be sure to click on the links to the right for more information about college TRIO programs at GVSU.   

McNair Scholars

The McNair Scholars Program is designed to prepare highly talented undergraduates to pursue doctoral degrees and to increase the number of individuals (from target groups) on college and university faculties

The Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement Program’s goal is to increase the number of underrepresented and/or first generation and limited income students in PhD programs and careers across the country. That is, first generation students with significant financial need (Pell eligible), or members of racial and ethnic groups that are traditionally underrepresented in careers that require Ph.Ds. The program accepts students from all disciplines.

Scholars participate in a 15 month program which includes academic and career counseling, tutoring, GRE preparation, graduate school application preparation, academic writing preparation. The program also includes a $4,000 stipend and subsidized housing during the 12 week intensive summer research portion of the program. Scholars will also have access to funding for conference travel and graduate school visits, among other benefits.

Parent and Supporter Orientation

Welcome to Grand Valley State University's TRIO Student Support Services (SSS). Below are the three programs GVSU offers for our college students.

How do you decide which program is for you?

     TRIO SSS Classic is a program that services all majors.

     TRIO STEM-Health Sciences (TRIO STEM) is for any student considering Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics or Health Sciences careers. 

     Teacher Preparation SSS (TPSSS) works with students who are going into the Education fields. 

For more information about each program, click on the box below and go to the "Parent and Supporter Orientation" section.

Student Support Services Classic

TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) is a program for first-generation and limited income college students. The goal of the program is to offer every possible form of support for participants in their quest to graduate from Grand Valley State University. Through the program, participants are assigned an advisor and have access to peer mentors who can help them achieve success while in college.

TRIO SSS STEM-Health Sciences

TRIO SSS STEM

Teacher Prep. S.S.S.

TRIO Teacher Preparation Student Support Services is a federally funded program designed to promote learning, personal development, and retention. TPSSS provides support to Grand Valley State University undergraduate students who are: first generation, meet federal income guidelines and are pursing a K-12 teaching degree.

For more on TRIO check out:

Government Website


Page last modified May 11, 2020
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