








What is TRIO Student Support Services?
How much does this program cost?
What are the eligibility requirements?
Do I need to be a first-year freshman to apply?
Why should I become a TRiO Scholar?
What is required of TRiO Scholars?
How can I apply?
How long can I be in the program?
Questions about F.O.C.U.S.
o What is FOCUS?
o How is FOCUS different from Summer Orientation and
Wildcat Welcome Week?
o How much does FOCUS cost?
o Where will I be staying?
o Can my family join me?
What is TRIO Student Support Services?
TRiO Student Support Services (SSS) is a federal grant program
funded at $247,000 annually by the U.S. Department of Education.
TRIO programs help students overcome class, social, financial, and
cultural barriers to higher education. We are funded to serve 160
disadvantaged college students each year.
How much does this program cost?
All services and activities are free to participants.
What are the eligibility requirements?
The federal government sets the eligibility requirements for TRiO
programs. To be eligible, students must:
(1) Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident;
(2) Be accepted for enrollment at CSU, Chico;
(3) Demonstrate a strong need and desire for academic support; and
(4) Meet one or more of the following criteria:
 Be a “first generation” college student (neither parent has
a four year degree)
 Have a documented disability
 Qualify for “low income” status:
http://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ope/trio/incomelevel
s.html
Do I need to be a first-year freshman to apply?
We accept applications from sophomores and juniors as well as
transfer students.
Why should I become a TRiO Scholar?
SSS is a great place to start your journey at CSU, Chico because of the
dedicated professional and student staff who invest in your academic,
financial, social and cultural enrichment. The program can help you
build on your strengths and address your areas of concern. By
becoming a participant, you will gain access to services and
opportunities not available to other students on campus.
What is required of TRiO Scholars?
Program requirements vary depending upon how far along you are on
your academic journey. Freshmen are required to meet more
frequently with their peer coaches and attend more workshops than
seniors (for example).
Scholars sign a new contract each semester, during which time they
pick and choose from a menu of proven-effective services and
activities. This gives scholars an opportunity to have control over their
own program and to continually renew their commitment to their
academic career.
How can I apply?
The first step is to complete an application to determine eligibility and
fit. Applications may be obtained online via our application link or at
our office located in room 310 of the Student Services Center at CSU,
Chico. Applications may be faxed, hand-delivered, or mailed to our
office.
Priority is given to those who meet the priority deadline each spring,
however we review applications on a continuous basis throughout the
year as space opens up. When space is not available, eligible students
will be placed on a waiting list.
The application and selection process is as follows:
1. Submit a complete SSS application
2. Participate in an interview
3. Eligible students will be accepted or placed on a waiting list.
4. Ineligible students will be referred to other CSU, Chico support
programs.
How long can I be in the program?
Until you graduate and/or transfer to another university or college.
QUESTIONS ABOUT F.O.C.U.S.
What is FOCUS?
FOCUS gives freshmen scholars a head start by providing support and
guidance the week before classes begin in August. TRiO Student
Support Services (SSS) staff and student mentors provide one-on-one
assistance with move-in, campus resources, financial aid, adjusting to
campus life, and more. This is a golden opportunity to meet new
friends and connect with other students in the program. We kick the
week’s events off with a welcome event.
How is FOCUS different from Summer Orientation and Wildcat
Welcome Week?
FOCUS is designed to supplement and complement Summer
Orientation and Wildcat Welcome Week. FOCUS will provide additional
information and support to help lessen the stress and burden for first
generation college students.
How much does FOCUS cost?
There is no cost to you. SSS pays for your housing, meals and
activities. You are only responsible for your personal travel expenses
to campus.
Where will I be staying?
FOCUS scholars who plan to live in campus housing will be granted
early move-in at no additional cost. Scholars who plan to commute, or
are still looking for off campus accommodations will stay in a local
hotel (paid for by TRiO). Scholars with off campus accommodations in
Chico will be encouraged to move in early (if possible).
Can my family join me?
The Welcome TRiO Scholars Luncheon on Monday is for scholars and
their family members. Spanish and Hmong speakers will be available
to answer parent and guardian questions and to offer a warm Chico
welcome to you and your family.
The first day of FOCUS is a time for scholars to move in to their Chico
accommodations. Scholars who choose to come alone will be assisted
with move-in by TRiO staff and mentors. Family members are
welcome to move their scholar in to their new accommodations.
Family members may not stay in the residence halls or hotel with
FOCUS scholars, so if your family plans to join you for the first few
days, they will need to make other accommodations.
Tuesday will be an all day event for scholars only and Wednesday
through Friday is usually jam packed with all day events designed for
students. Most family members will likely choose to leave Chico on
Monday night or Tuesday morning.