TRIO Student Support Services is back and better than ever!
TRIO has been a grant-funded program at QCC since 2010. Although funding was interrupted in 2025, the program secured renewed funding in 2026 and continues to provide critical support services to students. In addition to the classic TRIO program, QCC received funding for a TRIO-STEM-Health Sciences program, which will serve eligible health sciences students. With both programs, the office will serve about 300 students.
To participate in the TRIO program, students must be FAFSA-eligible and meet at least one of the following criteria:
- Be a first-generation college student (neither parent has a bachelor's degree)
- Meet federal low-Income eligibility
- Have a documented disability
Game-Changing Support
"The ultimate goal is to get students to persist, graduate, and continue their education," said Project Director of TRIO Programs Peter Munene.
To achieve this goal, students in the TRIO program receive support throughout their entire QCC experience, from registering for classes to accessing Career Services, Financial Aid, Parenting Student Services, and the HomePlate Food Pantry & Resource Center, among others. Tutoring and workshops are primarily provided by Education Specialists while the Academic Counselors deliver holistic academic counseling and connection to wraparound services.
With the newly renovated space in 163A, TRIO provides a welcoming environment for students to study or connect with peers. TRIO also gets students off-campus by organizing tours of other colleges and universities to get a feel for their next steps.
"I was a first-generation college student. I remember moving to the United States when I was 15. Trying to navigate high school was pretty hard, and it was significantly harder when I got to college," Munene said. "I feel like if I had found a program like this in college, it would have been a gamechanger for me."
Time to Celebrate!
TRIO is having a grand opening of their new space on Tuesday, September 29 from 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. in 163A. All are welcome to come and meet the staff, tour the space, and connect with colleagues and students.
Reach Out
- If you know a student who might be eligible, encourage them to complete the short application online at: QCC.mylacai.com/apply.php. The application is linked at QCC.edu/trio.
- The TRIO office can be reached at triosss@qcc.mass.edu, 508.854.4487, or in person in room 163A.
- Munene also noted that bringing a student to the TRIO office or introducing them via Teams/email is always encouraged.