Welcome to SMCC's TRIO Programs
Our nation has asserted a commitment to provide educational opportunities for all Americans, regardless of race, ethnic background or economic circumstance.
In support of this commitment, Congress established a series of programs to help low-income Americans enter college, graduate and move on to participate more fully in America's economic and social life.
These programs are funded under Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965, and are referred to as the TRIO Programs. While student financial aid programs help students overcome financial barriers to higher education, TRIO programs help students overcome class, social and cultural barriers to higher education.
As mandated by Congress, two-thirds of the students served by TRIO must come from families with incomes lower than $28,000, in which neither parent has graduated from college.
Contact Information
Director:
Ruben SaenzLearning Resources Center, Room 168
602.305.5677 Phone
602.305.5782 FAX
Hours of Operations
More than 2,700 TRIO Programs currently serve nearly 866,000 Americans. Many programs serve students in grades six through 12.
More than 1,000 colleges, universities, community colleges, and agencies now offer TRIO Programs in America. TRIO funds are distributed to institutions through competitive grants.
SMCC’s TRIO Office oversees STEP (Students Transfer with Educational Preparation), for current college students; and Upward Bound, for high school students preparing for college.
TRIO Office is located at:
South Mountain Community College
Learning Resource Center
7050 S. 24th Street
Phoenix, AZ 85040
Program Staff
Sylvia A. Symonds
Coordinator Student Services