graduate with family

2025 Spring Graduates

student with president     student with president     student shaking hands with president smith     student shaking hands with president smith

student shaking hands with president smith     student shaking hands with president smith    student shaking hands with president smith     student shaking hands with president smith

student shaking hands with president smith     student shaking hands with president smith     student shaking hands with president smith     student shaking hands with president smith

Several students standing around the MTSU horseshoe. Apply Now Joining TRiO is easy and the benefits are many. There's no reason not to be a part of TRiO! Apply Now
group of students and staff with Trio shirts Summer Bridge The Summer Bridge is for newly admitted first-year students and includes academic and personal development info. designed to ease transition to college. Summer Bridge
several students outside of gymnasium How can we help you? We can help with transferring to a four-year college, finding scholarships, developing relationships, plus much more. Supporting Students
TRiO Testimonial

"Wynn Gooch, Heather Bonner, and Susan Pobst of TRiO provide not only academic support but also serve as pillars of compassion and understanding. They truly care about their students' well-being. Columbia State isn't just a place to learn; it's a place to belong. Whether you're navigating academic challenges or seeking guidance in life, our faculty and staff are here to support you
every step of the way."

Rob Beard
Rob Beard and Stinky in cap and gown
Fun Times

TRIO students are always up to something.

Recently TRiO students traveled to Knoxville for a campus tour of the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. After the insightful tour, we made our way to the Tennessee River for a relaxing riverboat dinner cruise. Check out our photos to see how much fun we have!

 Trio Photos
Trio at UTC and Tennessee Aquarium
Our Mission
The mission of the TRiO/Student Support Services program is to provide underrepresented student populations with the added support mechanisms needed to meet the challenges of higher education. Through the development of academic and personal skills, the program focuses on increasing student retention and promoting degree completion.

Eligibility

TRiO eligibility is determined by federal regulations. To qualify, a student must be a U.S. Citizen or permanent resident and meet one of the following criteria:

  • Be a first-generation college student (neither parent has a bachelor’s degree)
  • Be income eligible (according to federal guidelines)
  • Have a documented disability

Interested in applying for Columbia State’s TRiO Program?

To apply for the TRiO Student Support Services, submit a completed TRiO application. Then schedule an appointment to meet with the director or adviser, who will determine eligibility and work with you to develop an educational success plan.

Services Provided

  • Academic Coaching
  • Career Exploration
  • College and University Visits
  • Cultural and Social Engagement Events
  • Financial Literacy
  • Assistance with FAFSA
  • Registration Assistance
  • Student Success TRiO Tidbits (lunch and learns)
  • Transfer Support
  • Tutoring Services
  • Summer Bridge

Helpful Links

College Deadlines and Events

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The Federal TRiO Programs (TRiO) are Federal outreach and student services programs designed to identify and provide services for individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds. TRIO includes eight programs targeted to serve and assist low-income individuals, first-generation college students, and individuals with disabilities to progress through the academic pipeline from middle school to post baccalaureate programs. The goal of Student Support Services (SSS) is to increase the college retention and graduation rates of its participants.

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"I want to be a..."

Unsure about your major or career goals? We’re here to help you explore your interests and goals and see how they align with your chosen major. Schedule an appointment or drop by our office to discuss your options. You can also jumpstart the process by using the O*Net OnLine tool to help find your best fit!

TRiO Tidbits (Lunch & Learn) Videos

Job Readiness

Chegg Study Packs

Study Abroad

Owning Your Own Business

Learning Styles and Study Skills

Transferring to a 4-Year College

Financial Literacy

Say It With Music

TRiO Music Video

Watch on YouTube