Applying & Eligibility

Trio-SSS Online Application

Am I eligible to apply?

If you're not sure if you're eligible for TRIO-SSS, we encourage you to apply. Our team can then review your application, and if it turns out you're not eligible for this program, we'll connect you with other resources that the College offers so you feel supported as you build a bolder, brighter, better future.

If you meet one or more of the eligibility requirements below, and are motivated to complete your degree and participate in a program that will help you achieve your goals, then you are encouraged to complete an application for admission into the program. To be eligible you must meet one or more of the following requirements

• First generation college student: (1) A student whose natural or adoptive parents have not received a 4 year degree; (2) A student who, prior to the age of 18, regularly resided with and received support from only one parent and whose supporting parent did not receive a 4 year degree; or (3) An individual who, prior to the age of 18, did not regularly reside with or receive support from a natural or an adoptive parent.
• Low Income Individual: An individual whose family’s taxable income did not exceed 150 percent of the poverty level amount in the calendar year preceding the year in which the individual initially participated in the project. Low Income-income guidelines are determined and set by the Federal Government. You will need to complete the Income Verification Worksheet attached to the application so that this determination can be made. However, generally if a student qualifies for federal financial aid (Pell Grants), chances are good they will meet the Low Income guidelines as set by the Federal Government.
• Individual with Disability: A person who has a disability, as the term is defined in section 12102 of the Americans with Disabilities Act (42 U.S.C 12101 et seq.).

Trio-SSS Eligibility

TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) applications may be submitted at any time throughout the year. Applications are reviewed and considered for acceptance into the program September 1 through November 30 each year, however applications from any time of the year can be considered. If you have questions about eligibility or are unsure if you qualify, email the TRIO team at triosss@midmich.edu. Applications are available on each campus, from your Mid Mentor or on Mid's website.

Trio-SSS Admissions Criteria

• First generation - neither of your parents have a bachelor’s degree. If they have a training credential, certificate, or associate degree, you are still eligible.

OR

• Low-income - based on Federal guidelines which can be found below or by contacting TRIO-SSS.

OR

• Student with a disability – please contact Student Accommodations at Mid to discuss eligibility based on this criteria at accommodations@midmich.edu.

• Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
• Must be certificate or degree-seeking.
• Must have academic or support service needs – please see application on the website or contact TRIO-SSS with questions regarding this criteria.
• Plan to complete certificate or degree within four years - students need to satisfactorily complete enough credits per semester to be able to complete their certificate or degree within four years. This typically requires completion of at least nine credit hours per semester or entering TRIO-SSS after having already successfully completed a minimum of 12 college credit hours with a minimum GPA of 2.0 and a minimum of 67% completion ratio.
• Preference is given to those who have shown academic success; academic, community, or activity involvement; and/or work history.

TRIO Student Support Services reserves the right to consider life circumstances and other criteria that may impact student eligibility. A sub-committee of the TRIO-SSS staff determine acceptance and document final decisions.

Federal Trio-SSS Programs - Current-Year Low Income Levels

Effective January 13, 2021 until further notice

For family units with more than eight members, add the following amount for each additional family member: $6,810 for the 48 contiguous states, the District of Columbia and outlying jurisdictions; $8,520 for Alaska; and $7,830 for Hawaii.

The term "low-income individual" means an individual whose family's taxable income for the preceding year did not exceed 150 percent of the poverty level amount.

The figures shown under family income represent amounts equal to 150 percent of the family income levels established by the Census Bureau for determining poverty status. The 2021 poverty guidelines are in effect as of January 13, 2021. Federal Register notice was published February 1, 2021.