- Is a first-generation college student (neither parent has a baccalaureate degree); or
- Meets income guidelines as outlined by the United States Department of Education; and/or
- Has a documented disability; and/or is in need of academic support services as demonstrated by grade average, class rank, College Board scores, or quality-point average achieved while enrolled at PennWest Clarion.
TRIO Student Support Services helps students achieve their educational goals by providing advising, financial and economic literacy, peer to peer supports, personal development workshops, graduate school preparation and cultural trips.
The Student Support Services (SSS) program is one of the three original TRIO programs authorized in 1968 by the Higher Education Act of 1965. The goal of SSS is to increase the postsecondary persistence and graduation rate of income eligible and/or, first-generation college students, or students with disabilities and to facilitate these students’ transition from one level of higher education to the next. Activities and services offered by SSS include instruction in basic skills, peer support, academic advising, financial aid and career counseling, graduate school counseling and mentoring.
For more information visit: Student Support Services Program | U.S. Department of Education.
Who is Eligible?
Eligibility includes any student enrolled or accepted for enrollment at PennWest Clarion who meets one or more of the following requirements:
Services Provided
Advising and Academic Counseling
Advisors work closely with students to: develop a semester plan, monitor academic progress, provide education concerning academic policies and procedures, assist with course selection and registration, and provide career and pre-professional counseling.
Academic Advisors assist students using a Proactive (Coaching) Model promoting:
- Smooth integration from high school to college
- Academic integrity
- High standards and ownership of academic, pre-professional and financial responsibilities
- Critical thinking/problem solving skills
- Career preparedness/professionalism (soft skills)
Tutoring and Academic Support
Tutoring is offered by academic advisors in reading, writing and study skills. TRIO Ambassadors also provide peer tutoring and study sessions in many academic subjects. SSS collaborates with Tutoring Services and Supplemental Instruction resource offices to ensure that students have access to all academic support available at PennWest.
Financial and Economic Literacy Instruction
TRIO SSS Advisors provide 1:1 and group instruction and resources in relevant economic and financial literacy topics, ranging from wise financial decision making to procuring scholarships and grant monies to reduce overall student debt.
- Annual FAFSA completion workshop
- Student Account summary overview
- Financial Aid Summary/Award overview
- Direct referral/collaboration with Financial Aid Counselors
- Financial planning workshops
- TRIO SSS Grant Aid awards available to first- and second-year PELL recipients in good academic standing
*SSS provides above services through individual and group meetings, as well as special programming/workshops throughout the year.
If you are interested in learning more about TRIO SSS Clarion, please call 814-393-1696 or email Maria Aiello, Director, at maiello@pennwest.edu.