What Is TRIO?

TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) is a federally-funded program designed to support the successful completion of undergraduate studies for its eligible participants.

Students who participate in a TRIO SSS program are either first-generation college students (neither parent has a bachelor’s degree), students with disabilities, or income eligible (basically pell grant eligible).

At CCA we have TWO SSS programs, our traditional (working with 160 students) and an English as a Second Language (ESL- working with 140 students) program. The ESL program is one of only 16 programs of its kind across the United States!

Supporting First-Generation College Students

TRIO students achieve success through individualized and dedicated academic support services. Watch this video to learn more.

Former TRIO student and CCA graduate, Keyana Samuel, taking a moment to enjoy her success at CCA.

[The] TRIO program helped me every step of the way towards receiving my Associates degree.

Thanks to the TRIO program, I am transferring to a four-year university and looking to get my Bachelors degree.

I’m transferring to Metro State University, I hope to join their TRIO program as well to guide me towards achieving this goal.”

5x More

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TRIO students are five times more likely to earn a degree within four years than any other CCA student.

CCA graduate, Amir Editone, celebrates his success at CCA’s 2022 Commencement Ceremony.

APPLY TO TRIO!

Are you a first-generation college student and are you looking for academic support help? Apply to the TRIO program today!

Participant Expectations

Kick-Off and Conference

Participants (and their families) attend our annual Kick Off and Conference event each August. This even launches our academic year towards success.

FAFSA and Registration

Complete your FAFSA and Registration with TRIO staff. You will have a TRIO hold on your account so that you complete an advising session with your TRIO coach before registering for classes.We host FAFSA and Registration Labs once each fall and spring semesters.

Advising/Coach Meetings

Complete at least three meetings with your TRIO coach each semester. These meetings are your chance to get advise on your academic journey or support for in the classroom.

Campus-Wide Events

TRIO participants complete at least two campus-wide activities each semester. These can be completed online or in person.

Financial Literacy Workshops

Complete at least one financial literacy workshop or activity each semester, online or in person. These workshops can be on topics such as the FAFSA, scholarships, budgeting, types of financial aid, credit usage or more.

TRIO SSS – Traditional Program

The SSS Traditional program can support first-generation, low-income, or students with disabilities who are English native speakers AND students who are English language learners. This program supports up to 160 students each year.

 

To qualify for this program, you must meet the following criteria:

  • Enrolled or accepted to enrollment at the Community College of Aurora
  • Must be a US Citizen or permanent resident
  • Have an academic need for our services
  • Be either a First-Generation College Student (neither parent earned a bachelor’s degree) OR
  • Be income eligible based on family taxable income OR
  • Have a documented disability

TRIO SSS – English as a Second Language Program

The SSS English as a Second Language program can support first-generation, low-income, or students with disabilities who are English language learners or English is not their native language. This program supports up to 140 students each year.

 

To qualify for this program, you must meet the following criteria:

  • Enrolled or accepted to enrollment at the Community College of Aurora
  • Must be a US Citizen or permanent resident
  • Have an academic need for our services
  • Be either a First-Generation College Student (neither parent earned a bachelor’s degree) OR
  • Be income eligible based on family taxable income OR
  • Have a documented disability
  • For the ESL program, students must also identify that English is not their first or primary language

Application Process

Submit your online application today.

• Once your application is completed it will be reviewed for eligibility. All students will be contacted about the results of their application.

• Eligible students will be contacted to schedule an intake interview which is necessary to complete the process.

• Students will be notified about the results of that interview within 2-3 business days.

Have questions about your eligibility before you apply? Visit or Contact Us to discuss your eligibility.

Contact Us

Community College of Aurora
16000 E Centretech Parkway
Aurora, CO 80011

Student Centre Building, Suite S203

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 303-361-7370

Community College of Aurora is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission

The Community College of Aurora is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). Learn more about CCA’s accreditations and professional licensure.