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Undergraduate Education > Advising and Transitions > TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) >

Join TRIO SSS

Join TRIO SSS

Eligibility

Students qualify for the MSU TRIO SSS Program by being a US Citizen and meeting one of the following three requirements:

  • First-Generation Status (the parent or guardian with whom the student resides has not completed a four-year bachelor’s degree)
  • Income Eligible (a student’s family’s taxable income for the preceding year did not exceed 150% of the federal poverty level)
  • Documented Disability (i.e. IEP in K-12 and/or accommodations from the MSU Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities (RCPD) for a learning, physical, or mental disability)

The term ‘income eligible‘ is based on a family’s taxable income for the preceding year. Please note that taxable income is different from gross income and should be reviewed carefully. These two amounts are listed separately on income tax forms. You can find the necessary information to determine if you are income-eligible based on the number of individuals in your family and their corresponding taxable income by following this link.

Please contact us at trio@msu.edu if you have any questions regarding your eligibility for the program.

Fall 2025 Application

 


TRIO SSS

Program Benefits

  • Small supportive community of professionals and peers
  • Dedicated TRIO Peer Mentor to support your personal goals
  • Dedicated TRIO Academic Advisor to establish and support academic goals
  • Academic support for common courses
  • Financial aid and financial literacy assistance
  • Graduate school preparation services
  • One-week summer program for incoming first-year students
  • Leadership development, professional development, and community service opportunities

Summer Excel Bridge Program

The TRIO Summer EXCEL Bridge Program is an exciting and valuable week-long orientation to college. During Summer EXCEL, you will have the unique opportunity to visit campus as a college student for five days and participate in activities and workshops designed to prepare you for high achievement at Michigan State University. Best of all, there is no cost to participate in the Summer EXCEL Bridge Program!

Summer EXCEL is offered for incoming first-year and transfer students in August each year. This enrichment program is designed to help incoming students gain fundamental information and build a supportive community, ensuring a smooth transition to MSU. By participating in Summer EXCEL, you will:

  • SUCCEED instead of just survive at MSU!
  • Build a sense of CONFIDENCE!
  • Gain a sense of KNOWLEDGE and BELONGING that will support you throughout your time at Michigan State University.
  • Meet staff, faculty, and other resources that will help you establish a lasting connection at MSU.
  • Meet current TRIO scholars.
  • Build friendships with peers and mentors that will aid in your transition process.

If selected for the program, students are expected to participate in all meetings, workshops, and activities. If you have mitigating circumstances that would prevent you from participating in the Summer EXCEL program but would still like to be a part of the TRIO Student Support Services Program starting in the academic year, please email trio@msu.edu as soon as your application is completed.