TRIO Student Support Services

The program offers a wide variety of free services and programs to help students achieve their academic, career and personal goals, while confronting the challenges of completing a college degree.

What is TRIO Student Support Services?
The TRIO SSS program at USC Upstate is made possible by a TRIO grant funded by the U. S. Department of Education. Our mission is to assist eligible students to stay in college until they successfully complete a baccalaureate degree. This program provides students with education, skills, resources, and support that allow traditionally underrepresented students the opportunity to become successful members of the USC Upstate community and after graduation, to become contributing members of society. 

How do I join TRIO Student Support Services?
Think TRIO SSS might be right for you? We make it easy to find out and join:

• Check your eligibility…
  To be eligible, you must meet at least one of these guidelines:
  • Must be a first-generation college student
  • Must meet income guidelines
  • Must have a documented disability
• Complete an application…
  1. (a) If you are incoming freshmen, please complete the Freshmen Application. All incoming freshmen accepted into the program must attend the mandatory Freshmen Focus. 
     (b) If you are a returning USC Upstate student or a transfer student, complete the Program Application.
  2. If you don’t have access to a computer, please contact TRIO SSS at 864-503-5966 to request a paper copy. 

Once all application materials are received, candidates will be contacted for an interview.

TRIO Student Support Service's freshmen receive individual attention from faculty and staff who are especially prepared to work with the needs and concerns of traditionally underrepresented college students. In addition, the program offers mentoring, advising, tutoring, cultural enrichment activities, and workshops. Our program is funded by the United States Department of Education and therefore offers these services at no cost to the participants.

Our incoming freshmen are required to take part in Freshman Focus, a three-day introduction to University 101, beginning Monday, August 21, and ending on Wednesday, August 23. The timing of Freshman Focus intentionally coordinates with the move-in day so residential students will have time to get settled before the program starts on Monday morning. Registration is on Monday, August 21 at 8:15 a.m. Individuals accepted into the TRIO SSS program will receive a newsletter outlining the specifics of Freshman Focus.

During Freshman Focus, students will participate in various seminars and social activities designed to ease the transition between high school and college. You will not only become acquainted with the campus and its many resources but also with 50 of your peers whose familiar faces will greet you in University 101 on the first day of class. One of the advantages of Freshman Focus is that the curriculum covered makes up the first third of that class. Because of this, the TRIO SSS sections of University 101 end early which gives participants more time to prepare for final exams in remaining classes.

Complete your application now

Once your application has been reviewed you will be contacted by our office for an interview. Early applicants will receive priority consideration.

Welcome to the TRIO Student Support Services program! 

If you are a high school senior and have been accepted to USC Upstate, and you are interested in becoming a part of the TRIO SSS program, please complete the Freshman application.

Sophomores, juniors, and transfer students that are currently enrolled at USC Upstate and are interested in becoming part of the TRIO SSS program should select the Program Application. Once your eligibility has been determined, you will be contacted to schedule an appointment with the director to discuss program services in greater detail.

If you need a paper application, please contact our office:

TRIO Student Support Services
Magnolia House (Courtyard level)
800 University Way
Spartanburg, SC 29303
Phone: 864-503-5966
Fax: 864-503-5075

TRIO Student Support Services participants benefit from a number of support programs at no cost. All participants are strongly encouraged to take advantage of these services, such as:

• One-on-One Peer Tutoring
• Pre-Advisement
• Cultural & Social Events
• Graduate School/Career Assessment & Preparation
• Individual Counseling
• Undergraduate Research Opportunities
• Financial Literacy
• Job Placement Assistance

• To promote academic achievement.
• To identify immediate and long-term career, academic and personal goals.
• To encourage career exploration.
• To encourage greater self-awareness through personality and career assessment.
• To promote positive self-image in students.
• To provide activities and sessions which will promote academic, personal and social development.
• To increase the number of USC Upstate students who remain in college.
• To increase the number of USC Upstate students who graduate each year.
• To increase the number of USC Upstate students who attend graduate school.