TRIO Student Support Services

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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 who 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

The TRIO Tutoring Team

Mathew Sheka Jr.

Monday: 10-12 & 4-7 PM
Tuesday: 9-11 & 4-7 PM
Wednesday: 10-2 & 4- 7 PM
Thursday: 9-11 & 4-7 PM

Friday: 9-12 & 5-7 PM

mathewshekarjr@student.skc.edu

Andrea Hall

Math, English, Science

Wednesday & Thursday: 4:00-6:00 PM
*Online Tutoring Available by Appointment*

406-830-5555
andreahall@student.skc.edu

Pete Aimsback Jr.

Monday - Thursday: 10 AM - 1 PM
Friday: 11 AM - 2 PM
Online Tutoring Available Upon Request

peteaimsbackjr@student.skc.edu

The TRIO Tutors can be found in the TRIO Tutor Lab, currently located in the Robert DePoe III Building

Service 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

Scholarship Opportunities

Note:

When searching for scholarships, avoid scams requesting payment or personal information and promising guaranteed money.

SKC SCHOLARSHIP: https://www.skc.edu/scholarships/

STEM SCHOLARSHIPS:

*https://www.umt.edu/stars/

GENERAL:

https://www.fastweb.com/

https://www.niche.com/colleges/scholarships/

Upcoming TRIO SSS Events

Spring Quarter 2023-2024

April 23: Lab night 4-6 PM

April 24: Family Lab Night 4-6 PM

May 15: TRIO Scholars' Award Luncheon 12-1:130

RSVP: https://forms.gle/JCnK1QtzoAid8GDr6

SPILL THE BEANS

FREE BREAKFAST

EVERY FRIDAY 10-11 AM RDIII RM 142

BRING A FRIEND-ALL STUDENT ARE WELCOME!

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

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

Step One

Students must fill out the SSS Application when enrolling at SKC. This will determine eligibility and can take up to two weeks.

For the current year we require a financial needs analysis or proof of income from year 2020.

Our application should only be filled out one time by a student after acceptance into the TRIO program

Step Two

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.

These forms are to be completed at least once a year to retain services for each school year that a student participates in TRIO.

TRIO SSS Grant Aid

TRIO Student Support Services Grant Aid is made possible through funds from the U.S. Department of Education to eligible TRIO SSS students on an annual basis. The purpose of Grant Aid is to assist in supporting the successful progress toward and achievement of academic goals.

TRIO SSS Grant Aid Application

GRANT AID IS CLOSED 4/5/24: TRIO SSS Grant Aid Requirements/Info

Please attach a typed, 1 to 1 1/2 page essay that includes: (1.5 Space w/12 Font required.)

A brief introduction
Your academic major & goals
How many credits you will need to complete an Associate’s degree and when do you plan to graduate. If applicable, your plans to transfer into a four-year degree program here at SKC or into another institution.
Your career goals.
Please tell us your need for this grant.
Conclude with a paragraph on how the TRIO SSS program has impacted you during your time as an SKC college student.

Department of Education Requirements:

A student must be in their first 2 years of post-secondary education
Must be receiving a Federal Pell Grant
Unmet need is not less than the award amount.

SKC TRIO Student Support Services Requirements:

Completed Grant Aid application and essay
Verification form & Personal Success Plan completed for 2023-24 SY
Attend TWO workshops either Fall or Winter quarters hosted by Chantel Starblanket and/or Sunshine Gaither
Financial Needs Analysis for Spring Quarter. Must have an unmet need (Get the printout from the Financial Aid Office the first week of classes)
Students must not have any overdue books or other resources (need to be checked in)
Students enrolled for the full school year and have not received Grant Aid twice will get first priority

FYI: All applicants will be scored on:

Unmet Need
Required workshops/additional consideration for 'Spill the Beans' Presentations
A completed Grant Aid Application (Essay, Verification Form & Personal Success Plan)
Utilization of SSS Resources such as Tutoring, Books, Computer Lab
Overall GPA for the Fall & Winter terms (additional consideration for Associates Degree completion for June 2024

Student Testimonials

1st Generation Lake County Leader Article

https://leaderadvertiser.com/news/2023/nov/16/first-generation-college-students-set-example-for-the-next-generation/?fbclid=IwAR3ljg-dQTq61F7rYVRoG-1Fbtf79qZX_HRBKIfOimO_18pjdSJmXAaCfIk

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.

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.

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.

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.

Meet the Team

Kathie Maiers

Program Director
Robert Depoe III Bldg, Rm 130
kathie_maiers@skc.edu
406-275-4823

Allen Addison

Assistant Director/Data Specialist
Robert Depoe III Bldg, Rm 129
allen_addison@skc.edu
406-275-4980

Sunshine Gaither

TRIO Student Success Coach
Robert Depoe III Bldg, Rm 129
sunshine_gaither@skc.edu
406-275-4797

Chantel Starblanket

Career Advisor
chantel_starblanket@skc.edu
406-275-4027

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Apply now and enjoy a unique educational experience that blends Western academic knowledge with Native American perspectives and practices. Benefit from smaller class sizes, personalized attention, and opportunities for hands-on learning and research. Join a supportive community that values cultural diversity and academic excellence, and prepare for a successful career and leadership role in your community. Apply today and start your journey towards a brighter future at SKC!