TRIO Student Support Services

How to apply

If you are interested in TRIO services and believe you may qualify, the first step is to submit an application. Applying to TRIO is completely free, and it only takes a few minutes.

Once you have submitted an application, you will set up a meeting with Michelle Bardsley, our First Year Coordinator. During your first meeting with Michelle, she will share more information about the program and get to know you and your goals, so we can determine if TRIO is a good fit.

You can book an appointment with Michelle once you have submitted the application.

If you have any questions about the application process, please email trio@kvcc.me.edu or call Michelle at 207-616-1160.

Expectations for TRIO participants

One of the best things about KV TRIO is that our cohort is small (we serve about 180 students per year). This allows us to build relationships with each of our students and provide individualized support services.

Because we have limited space and know that our program works best for active participants, we require TRIO students to regularly engage in program services. We expect you will:

• Meet with your assigned TRIO advisor at least once each semester. Your advisor will reach out to you around midterms to set this up, but you can also reach out to us anytime.
   
• Attend all four days of PUSH Summer Orientation, if possible. We prioritize enrollment of PUSH attendees in TRIO. If attendance would be a hardship for you, let us know – we can sometimes offer financial assistance for associated costs.
   
• Attend all scheduled meetings with TRIO staff on time. If you need to cancel or reschedule, please reach out to us as soon as possible. We know students have busy lives, and we try to be as flexible as possible. However, we kindly ask you to respect our own busy schedules.
   
• Respond to any direct outreach from TRIO (usually from your advisor). We will make several efforts to contact you, but if we consistently receive no response, we may assume you are no longer interested and withdraw you from the program.
   
• Utilize program services as needed. This includes following through when your TRIO advisor recommends tutoring or other support, and reaching out when you're struggling. We're good at what we do, but YOU play the biggest role in your success.

Benefits & services

• Advising, tutoring, college success coaching, and degree/transfer planning – tailored to TRIO populations, and offered both remotely and in-person
   
• Curated resources to build academic, financial literacy, and career skills
   
• Participation in a close-knit, supportive community! Visit our student lounges in King Hall 130 and Averill 222 (featuring coffee/tea and snacks, free TRIO swag, and computer access/printing!), and join the conversation virtually via Teams chat!
   
• PUSH Summer Orientation to start your college journey on the right foot
   
• Optional (but fabulous) academic and cultural events on/off campus throughout the semester, usually at no cost
   
• Leadership opportunities for upperclassmen, such as: student employment and peer tutor positions; (free!) 3-credit Leadership Development course offered each spring; guest panelist or volunteer for PUSH; and more!

Accessing TRIO services

Once you are accepted into the TRIO program, you can book an advising or tutoring appointment anytime at this link.

Additionally, feel free to drop by the TRIO Space anytime for a study session, a snack, or just to chat with other TRIO students!

You can also access TRIO services online. Check out our Virtual TRIO Space on Microsoft Teams and self-service resources on our Brightspace page!

Watch your KVCC email for events and opportunities for TRIO students throughout the semester!

Connecting with TRIO peers

We have a pretty incredible peer support network in KV TRIO. Our diverse, welcoming community is our superpower. We strongly encourage you to take advantage of it and connect with other TRIO students!

• join our Teams chat to ask questions and get to know other students
• visit our student lounges on the Fairfield and Hinckley campuses to study and hang out with other TRIO-ers
• attend our workshops and other events throughout the semester
• join us for off-campus cultural experiences and "Transfer Treks" to four-year colleges, always at little or no cost to TRIO students (watch your KVCC email for more info!)
• find us on social media! (Check out the "Links" section of the left sidebar)

Our free, 3-credit Leadership Development class is also a great opportunity to form strong bonds with TRIO classmates!

Alternative support services

While we offer programming geared towards TRIO students specifically, all KVCC students can access free services like advising, tutoring, and personal counseling through the Lunder Student Success Center.

If you are interested in applying for academic accommodations or learning more about the process, please contact Accessibility Services.

Still have questions?

No worries! Students interested in TRIO can contact us in a number of ways...

• Send an email to trio@kvcc.me.edu – this address forwards messages to all KV TRIO staff. (If possible, email us from your KVCC email address to avoid our spam filters.)
   
• Call Michelle Bardsley at 207-616-1160
   
• Book an appointment with Michelle –  please select the Meet with Michelle service