TRIO Student Support Services is a free federally funded program under the U.S. Department of Education, established to assist students from first-generation, low-income backgrounds, and students with disabilities to find college success.
Welcome!
TRIO? What's That?
Work, family responsibilities, and academic challenges may feel overwhelming at first. In TRIO, you will receive help to improve your grades, stay in school, transfer to a four-year college, receive your certificate or associate degree, or transition to your career.
As a TRIO Program member, you'll have the following opportunities:
- Meet at least yearly with a TRIO advisor to clarify your goals and identify any supports you may wish to pursue.
- Speak with your TRIO advisor at least monthly each semester to discuss how you are doing and consider any further needs or preferences you would like to address.
- Attend at least two TRIO TALK workshops each semester, covering a range of topics with the freedom to choose he workshops you believe will benefit you the most.
- Take advantage of at least one TRIO Cultural Event each semester — there will be many from which to choose. TRIO will cover the cost of admission for, and provide transportation to and from, these special extra-curricular activities for all members who wish to pursue them.
Need to Know More?
More information on application as well as the benefits belonging to the TRIO Program is available at:
TRIO Office and Learning Center
TRIO@berkshirecc.edu
Field Administration, F-237
TRIO at a Glance
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Meet the Staff
George R. Ambriz is the Interim Assistant Dean of TRIO and Student Success and has been employed with BCC since June 2018. He has worked in higher education for nearly 20 years spanning from the West Coast to the East Coast. Mr. Ambriz has a wealth of knowledge in areas within Student Affairs and has worked at Hispanic Serving Institutions and Minority Serving Institutions. He received his Associate of Arts (AA) degree in Administration of Justice from Cochise College in Douglas, AZ, Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Administration of Justice with a minor in Political Science from Western New Mexico University (Silver City, NM), Masters of Arts in Ethics and Policy Studies from UNLV, Masters of Public Administration (MPA) in Government Policy from UNLV (University of Nevada, Las Vegas), and is currently completing his Ph.D. from UNLV in Public Policy. He currently resides in Clifton Park, NY, with his wife and two boys and is fluent in Spanish.
Dylan Newell is the TRIO Program Assistant. Dylan is also a BCC graduate, class of 2023, with an Associate’s in Business Careers. While a student at BCC, Dylan was a TRIO student, recipient of multiple BCC Foundation Scholarships, a member of Phi Theta Kappa, and the recipient of the Falconer Award for Business in Spring 2022. Dylan is a native of Danville, Alabama and currently lives in the Berkshires with his wife and son, and really enjoys the art of barbecue (not to be confused with grilling hamburgers and hot dogs), watching pro wrestling, going to Yankees baseball games, and cheering on his beloved Alabama Crimson Tide (Roll Tide)!
"Hi, my name is Savannah Stanley. The TRIO program is amazing and I am so excited to be a part of serving students. The TRIO space provides an environment where students can convene to create community and support each other. As an individual who began their academic journey as a non-traditional student at a community college, I am aware that our students often have competing demands, and I am consistently impressed with the hard work that TRIO students carry out to be successful. My academic background includes an A.S. from Pima Community College in Business Administration, a B.S. from the University of Arizona in Business Administration – Commerce, and M.S. from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Supply Chain and Logistics. My career background includes operations management, as well working in the post-disaster supply chain for the federal government. Now, as a TRIO Coach, I am passionate about working with students to identify and utilize those resources which will support them as they navigate higher education.When I am not at BCC, I love cooking, listening to audiobooks, and doing projects around the house. I also enjoy spending time with my partner Jonah and our three dogs – Ginger, Honey and Jack."
Kristin Winsett is an Academic Success Coach for both the TRIO and SUCCESS programs on campus. Kristin holds a B.A. in Biochemistry, a M.S. in Biomedical Science and a Certificate in Public Health from Regis College. In her spare time, she enjoys kayaking, doing puzzles, baking and spending time with her mother, nephew, four cats and tortoise.
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Free Services Just for You
The TRIO Center
An inviting place to study, engage with your fellow TRIO members, and meet with staff. Individual and group spaces are completely refurnished with all new: computer work stations featuring a variety of useful software, large screen monitors, and office chairs; carrels with modern adjustable lighting; round and oblong tables with plenty of seating; and a wall-mounted flat screen TV for projecting visuals. Staff's comfortable private offices allow sensitive information to be shared while remaining strictly confidential.
Supplemental Tutoring
Individual and group tutoring is available in many subjects including math, writing, and communications (all are requirements for an associate degree), and can complement assistance you may receive from the Tutorial Center at BCC. You can schedule appointments that are convenient for you or come by for Drop-In sessions that take place every week.
Help with Financial Aid
TRIO provides assistance with completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and scholarship application forms.
Progress Reviews
Regular examination of your Degree Audit with your TRIO advisor's assistance will help you stay on-track toward finishing your graduation requirements and putting yourself in a position to transfer having completed the maximum number of pre-requisites and course equivalencies accepted by the four-year program of your choice.
Free Life Skills Workshops
Our TRIO Talks also cover such topics as Minimizing Your Stress, Maintaining Healthy Relationships, Managing Your Finances, and Improving Your Credit Scores — along with many more.
Letters of Reference
TRIO staff gladly provide letters of reference for scholarship and transfer applicants who are active and well-known members of the program.
Emergency Communication and Mediation
We can help contact instructors and other campus community members when emergencies crop up, and we can act as mediators to help members resolve a variety of issues when they arise.
Transfer Counseling Support
To supplement the services provided by the BCC Transfer Counselor, TRIO offers students assistance in exploring options for transferring to four-year schools, including scheduled visits to area colleges and universities such as MCLA, UMASS, Westfield State University, Salem State University, Mt. Holyoke and Smith College.
Career Counseling Assistance
In addition to the services provided by the BCC Career Counselor, the TRIO program can help with choosing a major, searching for internships and jobs, and making decisions about the career path you may wish to follow.
School Supplies and Office Equipment
TRIO stocks items such as note cards, highlighters, pens, paper and folders for times when you run out; and implements such as staplers, electric pencil sharpeners, and an automatic hole punch are always on hand for you to use. Graphing calculators and digital recorders are available for loan, as well.
Beverages and Snacks
For when you need just a little something to hold you over or perk you up.
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Who May Participate in TRIO?
You may be eligible for Student Support Services if you meet one or more of the following criteria:
- Neither parent graduated from a four-year college.
- You meet federal income eligibility guidelines.
- You have a documented learning or physical disability.
All participating students must be either U.S. citizens or permanent residents as verified by application for Federal Financial Aid. Each student must be attending BCC to earn their first certificate or associate degree. Those with a bachelor's and/or advanced degree cannot be considered.
TRIO Without Walls
TRIO has implemented "TRIO Without Walls" as of Summer 2020 to provide students the same support they would receive on campus, but through a digital platform.
Visit TRIO's virtual office Monday through Wednesday 12-2 PM or by appointment
Use meeting ID: 926 1830 2506