TRIO Student Support Services

The TRIO SSS program helps students overcome economic, social and academic boundaries to higher education by assisting with basic college requirements and providing students with needed services and support.

We are invested in your success!

We are a committed team of staff, tutors, and mentors that will help you shape your signature student experience by creating a personalized Academic Success and Career Plan. This plan, combined with the effort of your team and your personal motivation to succeed, will help guide you through your first two years of college.

Apply to TRIO SSS Today

Services and Resources Provided:

Student Support Services is a TRIO program that provides opportunities for academic development, assists students with basic college requirements, and serves to motivate students towards the successful completion of their postsecondary education. The SSS program may also provide grant aid to current SSS participants who are receiving Federal Pell Grants. The goal of SSS is to increase the college retention and graduation rates of its participants and facilitate the process of transition from one level of higher education to the next. The Student Support Services program at SKC serves 230 students from low-income and/or first-generation backgrounds or with disabilities each year.

Primary Services

  • Academic, financial advising
  • Assistance in securing admission and financial aid for enrollment
  • Information for tutoring services on campus
  • Campus visits (UM and MSU) and cultural trips

Other Student Academic Services Include

  • Individualized or group tutoring
  • Math / English skill assistance
  • Workshops- Times TBA; workshops may be subject to time change and venue changes
  • Computer Lab
  • Textbook Loan Program

Upcoming TRIO SSS Events

Spring Quarter 2022-2023

TRIO Family Night-Pizza
June 1st, 4:00 PM - 6:30 PM


SKC YEAR-END BBQ: Staff & Students
June 1st (Thursday), 12:00 - 2:00 PM
Robert Depoe III Building
FOOD - MUSIC - GAMES


TRIO Scholars Luncheon in the Sherri McDonald Room
May 31st, 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM
RSVP is required. RSVP here.


Graduation
June 10th


For more information, contact: sunshine_gaither@skc.edu or chantel_starblanket@skc.edu.

TRIO family lab night - Pizza

June 1st, 4:00-6:30 PM

Activities for the kids while you study and/or catch up on your course work!!!

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Applying to TRIO SSS

TRIO SSS Eligibility Requirements: participants must be an admitted SKC student and meet at least one, and preferably two, of the following three requirements:

  • Income eligible as defined by the U.S. Department of Education
  • Be from a family from which neither parent or guardian has a bachelor’s degree
  • Have a documented disability and be registered with SKC's campus Disability Services.

How to Apply

  1. Students must fill out the SSS Application  when enrolling at SKC. This will determine eligibility and can take up to two weeks.
  2. Upon acceptance, a letter will be emailed out to students and they will need to fill out a Verification Form and SSS Personal Success Plan.
  3. For the current year we require a financial needs analysis or proof of income from year 2020.

Congratulations Jade Dempsey

Meet Jade Dempsey, one of 12 Montana College Students awarded the 2023 Montana Student Volunteer Award. Her inspiring commitment to community service includes raising thousands of dollars for the Ronald McDonald House and collecting donations for Boys and Girls Club and Safe Harbor.

"Read more" to learn about Jade's amazing work.

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Student Testimonials

Ronette-Lindsey

Ronette (Rochelle) Lindsey

Pre-Social Work - Freshman

In the spring of 2022, I started my college journey at SKC.  I started out doing well and then life happened. I failed two of my four classes.  I was very disappointed with myself.  I got some things in my life in order and decided to make my education a priority.  I passed all 4 of my classes while working a full-time job and being a single mom.  If it wasn’t for TRIO and the help of my Success Coach, Sunshine I’m not sure I would be where I am today.  With all the positive support from Sunshine (TRIO), who help me through the rough days when I wanted to give up.  I am very thankful to have her in my life. 

Travis-Christopher

Travis Christopher

Pre-Engineering - Freshman

In recent years, I feel like one of my greatest accomplishments is going back to school at the age of 31. Before doing this, I was in the workforce for 11+ years performing security/law enforcement jobs. What makes me feel good is knowing what I want to do career-wise and accepting the kind of work that is going to be needed to get my BS in engineering. I am hoping for a fruitful and lasting career when it comes time.

Peter-Aimsback

Peter Aimsback

Chemical Dependency Counseling

My name is Peter Aimsback.  I am 32 years old, and a non-traditional student.   I am in the Chemical Dependency Counseling program. This is my first year attending college.  I have surrounded myself with students on the right path and have used the resources available to me.  I worked hard and passed all of my classes this past quarter.  I have almost 6 years of sobriety under my belt, which I am very proud of.  I have started a self-help group for students on campus as well as off campus.  My passion is to help others! I want to share my story so that people know that they can achieve their dreams regardless of where they are in life.  I want to leave my mark on this community in a positive way.  With all of this, the TRIO program has been very supportive, they help me keep a healthy mind and help me drive forward to meet my goals.  I have attended multiple TRIO workshops and Coffee Hour.  I plan on using TRIO as my support until I graduate.  Thank you, SKC TRIO-Staff for your support in my education and for helping my dream of helping others become reality. 

Tatianna Wells

Tatianna Wells

Psychology - Freshman

I believe that good things come to those who truly never give up. I always tried my best no matter the obstacles. Although I had staggering roadblocks coming into college, I believe I made the best of my experiences. With this being said TRIO has helped me grow into a person with a passion for life. 

Congratulations!

Olivia Perez and Frankie Wright

Congratulations to Olivia Perez who is the new AIHEC (American Indian Higher Education Consortium) student congress president and to Frankie Wright (TRIO-SCHOLAR) who is the new student regional representative for AIHEC!!! We are so proud of you both!!

Meet the Team

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Kathie Maiers

Program Director

Robert Depoe III Bldg, Rm 130

kathie_maiers@skc.edu

406-275-4823

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Allen Addison

Assistant Director/Data Specialist

Robert Depoe III Bldg, Rm 129

allen_addison@skc.edu

406-275-4980

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Sunshine Gaither

TRIO Student Success Coach

Robert Depoe III Bldg, Rm 129

sunshine_gaither@skc.edu

406-275-4797

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Chantel Starblanket

Career Advisor

chantel_starblanket@skc.edu

406-275-4027

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Desirae Nault

Student Worker

desirae_nault@skc.edu

406-275-4798