TRIO Student Support Services

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Department Contact(s)

Program Director:                          Kathie Maiers
kathie_maiers@skc.edu
406-275-4823

Asst. Dir./Data Spec:                         Allen Addison allen_addison@skc.edu                   406-275-4980

Academic Student Success Coach: Sunshine Gaither  sunshine_gaither@skc.edu             406-275-4697

Career Advisor:                                          TBA

Home » 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 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.

Learn more about applying to TRIO-SSS

Apply to TRIO SSS Today

Student Testimonials and Achievements

Preston is super excited about his upcoming internship in Big Timber, Montana! He'll be working at the fish hatchery on the Yellowstone River. His main goal for the summer is to soak up as much knowledge as he can from the experienced professionals he'll be working with, to open up more job opportunities and expand his expertise.

Preston Folk

Wildlife & Fisheries

Preston is all set for an exciting internship in Big Timber, Montana! He'll be working at a fish hatchery along the beautiful Yellowstone River. His main goal is to learn from experienced professionals and gain knowledge to boost his career opportunities and expand his existing skills.

Untitled design (18)

Andrea Hall

General Science

Serve Montana/Campus Compact

Student Volunteer of the Year 2024

RaymondMarie-vert_tx658

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-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. 

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. 

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. 

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.

Upcoming TRIO SSS Events

Fall Quarter 2024-2025

SPILL THE BEANS (10/18/24): WAFFLES

TRUNK OR TREAT: FRIDAY (10/25/24 RDIII PARKING LOT 4-6 P.M.

HAUNTED HALLOWEEN CARNIVAL (GYM): SATURDAY (10/26/24) 5-9 P.M.

FOUNDERS WEEK: 10/28-10/31 & TRIO ACTIVITIES

NATIONAL 1ST GEN DAY: NOV. 8, 2024

 

 

For more information, contact: sunshine_gaither@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

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: 

  1. A student must be in their first 2 years of post-secondary education
  2. Must be receiving a Federal Pell Grant
  3. 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
Apply to SKC Today
Schedule a Visit to SKC
Explore a Career Path

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!