TRIO Student Support Services

Our physical office in 425 Smith Memorial Student Union building is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. We will continue to have our Zoom virtual front desk which will be available from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Current Portland State TRIO - Student Support Services students: Need to contact or schedule a meeting with your advisor? Go to Staff Profiles.

For all other meetings or questions; please call 503-725-3815, visit our Zoom virtual front desk, email us at triosss@pdx.edu or visit our Contact Us page.

TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) is a college retention and graduation program for undergraduate students, which helps them develop the academic skills and personal development necessary to successfully pursue and complete their first Bachelor's degree. We currently have two TRIO - SSS programs - "Classic" and "STEM" (for those in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math majors, including Public Health Studies). Students accepted into TRIO Student Support Services will be a part of the program until they graduate from Portland State.

To qualify, a student must be an undergraduate who is income eligible, a first generation college student (neither parent or guardian has a bachelor’s degree) and/or have a documented disability. In addition, a student must also demonstrate academic need. We only have limited spaces each academic year, so please turn in your completed application as soon as possible.

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TRIO Student Support Services assists students to

Strengthen academic skills necessary for college level course work through classes and workshops
Connect with cultural and social enrichment activities to find a sense of community
Improve and maintain the grade point average necessary to achieve academic goals
Graduate with a Bachelor’s degree

TRIO Student Support Services can provide you the following services

Academic and career advising
Priority class registration for the following term
Graduate and professional school counseling
Financial Literacy such as loan forgiveness, financial aid application and managing personal budgets
Access to our student lounge and quiet study areas
FREE printing in our computer lab
Laptop and calculator loaner programs
Individual writing support
For credit classes to students at no charge such as a college writing class and from transition programs of Summer Bridge (incoming freshmen) and Transfer Bridge (incoming transfer students)
Scholarship resources and assistance
Make appropriate referrals to campus and community resources

What is TRIO?

Our nation has asserted a commitment to providing educational opportunity for all Americans regardless of race, and ethnic background or economic circumstance. In support of this commitment, Congress established a series of programs to help low-income Americans enter college, graduate and move on to participate more fully in America's economic and social life. These programs are funded under Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 and are referred to as the TRiO Programs (initially just 3 programs). While student financial aid programs help students overcome financial barriers to higher education, TRiO programs help students overcome class, social and cultural barriers to higher education.

Our Mission

The mission of TRIO programs is to expand educational opportunity to persons often underrepresented in higher education, increase the retention and graduation rates of eligible low income, first generation and disabled undergraduate students and to foster an institutional climate supportive of the success for those students through comprehensive services and advocacy.

Student of the Month: Melanie Trujillo-Salazar

When I first arrived at Portland State, I will be honest, I did not know where to begin. I did not know where to go for help, how to choose my classes, or even what to expect from the college. I first learned about TRIO through a relative who had been through the program themselves. They knew I would be a perfect fit for that extra layer of support that TRIO gives. Applying was one of the most important decisions I have ever made. TRIO became more than just a resource, it became my community. Having people walk me through everything from financial aid to building a resume turned a process that felt overwhelming into something possible. My connection to the program deepened when I started working here through my work study position. Being on the other side of the desk has been incredibly meaningful because I now support students who are in the exact same position I once was. I see myself in them, and that makes the work feel personal. This role has not just been a job, it has been a training ground. It has forced me to grow in communication, advocacy, and leadership, giving me the tools to handle real world challenges. I will be graduating this year and I am ready to turn these experiences into a career. My goal is to go into Social Work and continue supporting communities like the one that supported me. I want to help people navigate systems that can feel confusing and intimidating, especially when they are figuring things out for the first time. This program did not just help me stay in school, it helped me find my confidence, my purpose, and my voice. It helped me build a bridge for myself, and now I am ready to help others build theirs.

TRIO -  Student Support Services (SSS) programs, "Classic' & "STEM" at Portland State University are 100% US Department of Education funded. "Classic" receives $426,814 and "STEM" receives $261,888 for a total of $688,702 annually. Our goals are to increase the retention, graduation, and good academic standing of eligible students.