Student Support Services

The TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) Program at St. John’s University is a comprehensive academic support program designed to increase the performance, retention and graduation rates of primarily first-generation college students.

The SSS Program tailors its services by considering the academic background, educational and personal goals, and skill development needs of all participants.

Goals

• Facilitate students' transition and integration into the academic and social environment
• Enhance students' academic performance
• Empower students with skills that enable them to meet their educational, personal, and career goals
• Foster personal growth and independence

Program Benefits

Designed to enhance each participant’s overall college experience, SSS provides resources to help students reach their full potential while at St. John’s University. Highlighted below are some of the services available to all SSS participants. All services are provided at no cost to selected students.

Academic Advising

Orientation activities for first-year and transfer students

Assistance with courses, academic plans, and financial concerns

Routine assessments of students' needs, goals, skills, and study habits

Newsletter to inform students of Program events, and to provide tips to enhance their college experience

Academic and Non-Academic Resources:

Year-round access to the Program's resource room containing a computer for student use 

Pamphlets and other materials containing information on careers and job search skills, graduate school requirements, admissions, and practice exams and more.

Personal Mentoring and Support

Personal counseling to assist students with non-academic issues that may impact their college experience

Graduate School and Career Planning

Graduate and professional school preparation, inclusive of résumé writing workshops, graduate school practice exams, recommendation letters, personal statements, mock interviews and video prep-sessions

Graduate school test prep (practice exams, study guides, and materials)

Recommendation letters and references for jobs and graduate/professional school

Advice and guidance on educational and career issues

Activities

SSS-sponsored events and activities are designed to enrich students both socially and culturally (i.e., leadership and development workshops, conferences, trips to museums, and/or complimentary tickets to plays or musicals)

Workshops and support groups that address the needs and interests of students.

An annual awards ceremony to honor student achievements and graduating seniors

Who Should Apply:

Eligibility criteria include being a first-generation college student (neither parent obtained a 4-year college degree) and/or meeting federally established income standards. Students with a documented physical/learning accessibility need are also eligible. Applicants must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, enrolled as an undergraduate student at St. John’s University, and demonstrate a need for academic support.

How To Apply:

SSS applications are accepted on a rolling basis from St. John’s University freshmen, sophomore or junior students. Applications can be completed using the form below or picked up from our office during business hours. For processing purposes and acceptance into the program, completed SSS applications must be accompanied by the parent's/guardian's IRS 1040 tax form (or that of the student, if he or she is independent).