TRIO Student Support Services is a free federally funded program under the U.S. Department of Education, established to assist students from first-generation, low-income backgrounds, and students with disabilities to find college success.
Welcome, Falcons!
TRIO? What's That?
Work, family responsibilities, and academic challenges may feel overwhelming at first. In TRIO, you will receive help to improve your grades, stay in school, transfer to a four-year college, receive your certificate or associate degree, or transition to your career.
As a TRIO Program member, you'll have the following opportunities:
- Meet at least yearly with a TRIO advisor to clarify your goals and identify any supports you may wish to pursue.
- Speak with your TRIO advisor at least monthly each semester to discuss how you are doing and consider any further needs or preferences you would like to address.
- Attend at least two TRIO TALK workshops each semester, covering a range of topics with the freedom to choose he workshops you believe will benefit you the most.
- Take advantage of at least one TRIO Cultural Event each semester — there will be many from which to choose. TRIO will cover the cost of admission for, and provide transportation to and from, these special extra-curricular activities for all members who wish to pursue them.
Need to Know More?
More information on application as well as the benefits belonging to the TRIO Program is available at:
TRIO Office and Learning Center
TRIO@berkshirecc.edu
Field Administration, F237
TRIO at a Glance
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Meet the Staff
Dylan Newell is the TRIO Program Assistant. Dylan is also a »Æ¹ÏÊÓƵ graduate, class of 2023, with an Associate’s in Business Careers and the current Vice President of the »Æ¹ÏÊÓƵ Alumni Board. While a student at »Æ¹ÏÊÓƵ, Dylan was a TRIO student, recipient of multiple »Æ¹ÏÊÓƵ Foundation Scholarships, a member of Phi Theta Kappa, and the recipient of the Falconer Award for Business in Spring 2022. Dylan is a native of Danville, Alabama until 2018 where he currently lives in the »Æ¹ÏÊÓƵs with his wife and son, and really enjoys the art of barbecue (not to be confused with grilling hamburgers and hot dogs), watching pro wrestling and NASCAR, going to Yankees baseball games, and cheering on his beloved Alabama Crimson Tide (Roll Tide)!
"Hi, my name is Savannah Stanley. The TRIO program is amazing and I am so excited to be a part of serving students. The TRIO space provides an environment where students can convene to create community and support each other. As an individual who began their academic journey as a non-traditional student at a community college, I am aware that our students often have competing demands, and I am consistently impressed with the hard work that TRIO students carry out to be successful. My academic background includes an A.S. from Pima Community College in Business Administration, a B.S. from the University of Arizona in Business Administration – Commerce, and M.S. from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Supply Chain and Logistics. My career background includes operations management, as well working in the post-disaster supply chain for the federal government. Now, as a TRIO Coach, I am passionate about working with students to identify and utilize those resources which will support them as they navigate higher education.When I am not at »Æ¹ÏÊÓƵ, I love cooking, listening to audiobooks, and doing projects around the house. I also enjoy spending time with my partner Jonah and our three dogs – Ginger, Honey and Jack."
Kristin Winsett is an Academic Success Coach for both the TRIO and SUCCESS programs on campus. Kristin holds a B.A. in Biochemistry, a M.S. in Biomedical Science and a Certificate in Public Health from Regis College. In her spare time, she enjoys kayaking, doing puzzles, baking and spending time with her mother, nephew, four cats and tortoise.
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Free Services Just for You
The TRIO Center
An inviting place to study, engage with your fellow TRIO members, and meet with staff. Individual and group spaces are completely refurnished with all new: computer work stations featuring a variety of useful software, large screen monitors, and office chairs; carrels with modern adjustable lighting; round and oblong tables with plenty of seating; and a wall-mounted flat screen TV for projecting visuals. Staff's comfortable private offices allow sensitive information to be shared while remaining strictly confidential.
Supplemental Tutoring
Individual and group tutoring is available in many subjects including math, writing, and communications (all are requirements for an associate degree), and can complement assistance you may receive from the Tutorial Center at »Æ¹ÏÊÓƵ. You can schedule appointments that are convenient for you or come by for Drop-In sessions that take place every week.
Help with Financial Aid
TRIO provides assistance with completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and scholarship application forms.
Progress Reviews
Regular examination of your Degree Audit with your TRIO advisor's assistance will help you stay on-track toward finishing your graduation requirements and putting yourself in a position to transfer having completed the maximum number of pre-requisites and course equivalencies accepted by the four-year program of your choice.
Free Life Skills Workshops
Our TRIO Talks also cover such topics as Minimizing Your Stress, Maintaining Healthy Relationships, Managing Your Finances, and Improving Your Credit Scores — along with many more.
Letters of Reference
TRIO staff gladly provide letters of reference for scholarship and transfer applicants who are active and well-known members of the program.
Emergency Communication and Mediation
We can help contact instructors and other campus community members when emergencies crop up, and we can act as mediators to help members resolve a variety of issues when they arise.
Transfer Counseling Support
To supplement the services provided by the »Æ¹ÏÊÓƵ Transfer Counselor, TRIO offers students assistance in exploring options for transferring to four-year schools, including scheduled visits to area colleges and universities such as MCLA, UMASS, Westfield State University, Salem State University, Mt. Holyoke and Smith College.
Career Counseling Assistance
In addition to the services provided by the »Æ¹ÏÊÓƵ Career Counselor, the TRIO program can help with choosing a major, searching for internships and jobs, and making decisions about the career path you may wish to follow.
School Supplies and Office Equipment
TRIO stocks items such as note cards, highlighters, pens, paper and folders for times when you run out; and implements such as staplers, electric pencil sharpeners, and an automatic hole punch are always on hand for you to use. Graphing calculators and digital recorders are available for loan, as well.
Beverages and Snacks
For when you need just a little something to hold you over or perk you up.
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Who May Participate in TRIO?
You may be eligible for Student Support Services if you meet one or more of the following criteria:
- Neither parent graduated from a four-year college.
- You meet federal income eligibility guidelines.
- You have a documented learning or physical disability.
All participating students must be either U.S. citizens or permanent residents as verified by application for Federal Financial Aid. Each student must be attending »Æ¹ÏÊÓƵ to earn their first certificate or associate degree. Those with a bachelor's and/or advanced degree cannot be considered.