TRIO

You don't have to do college alone

Starting or returning to college can feel overwhelming. TRIO Student Support Services helps eligible RTC students navigate college, overcome barriers, stay enrolled, complete their programs, and prepare for their next educational or career goal. TRIO is a federally funded U.S. Department of Education program to help students succeed.

Students in TRIO can receive support like:

• One-on-one academic and personal advising
• Academic tutoring and study support
• Course planning and registration assistance
• Financial aid and FAFSA assistance
• Scholarship information and application support
• Financial literacy education
• Career exploration and employment preparation
• Transfer planning and assistance
• Connections to campus and community resources
• Mentoring, workshops, and student activities
• Support with barriers that may affect college success

TRIO services are designed around each student’s needs, educational program, and long-term goals.

Apply for TRIO

Qualifications

TRIO provides individualized support for students who may be the first in their families to attend college, come from limited-income households, or have a documented disability.

You may qualify for TRIO Student Support Services if you:

• Are enrolled at Renton Technical College or have been accepted for enrollment in the next academic term.
• Are a U.S. citizen or national, or meet federal student-aid residency requirements.
• Demonstrate a need for academic support.
• Meet at least one of the following eligibility categories:
  
  • You are a first-generation college student.
  • You meet federal income guidelines.
  • You have a documented disability.

A first-generation college student generally means that neither parent or legal guardian earned a four-year bachelor’s degree. Other family circumstances may also be considered when determining first-generation status

Eligibility is determined through the TRIO application and verification process. Meeting the basic eligibility requirements does not automatically guarantee acceptance because program enrollment may be limited.

If you are not sure if you qualify, we will work with you to find out.

How to Apply

1. Complete the TRIO Application
2.  Participate in an Eligibility Review
   
   • TRIO staff will review your application and may contact you for additional information needed to confirm eligibility.
3. Meet With a TRIO Staff Member
   • Eligible students will be invited to an intake meeting. During this meeting, we will discuss your goals, academic needs, strengths, barriers, and the services that may help you succeed.
4. Begin Receiving TRIO Support
   • Students accepted into the program will work with TRIO staff to develop an individualized student success plan and begin using TRIO services.
5. Refer a Student to TRIO
   • RTC faculty, staff, instructors, advisors, and community partners may refer students who could benefit from TRIO Student Support Services.
     A referral does not determine eligibility or automatically enroll a student. TRIO staff will contact the student, explain the program, and help the student complete the application process.

TRIO is more than a college program. It is a supportive community committed to helping students build confidence, solve problems, connect with resources, and continue moving toward graduation.

Whether you need tutoring, help choosing classes, support with financial aid, transfer planning, career preparation, or someone to help you understand your options, the TRIO team is here to support you.