TRIO SSS & McNair Scholars

TRIO Student Support Services

CU Denver TRIO Student Support Services (TRIO SSS) helps first-generation, low-income students and students with disabilities reach their full potential and achieve academic success. We are a supportive academic community committed to student excellence and achievement. Student success is at the center of everything we do in.

Academic Support for Underrepresented Students

The program provides opportunities for academic development, assists students with basic college requirements, and keeps them motivated as they work toward the successful completion of their degrees. The goal of TRIO SSS is to increase the college retention and graduation rates of its participants and help students make the transition from one level of higher education to the next.​

Paving the Way to Success

TRIO SSS has a long and rich history at CU Denver, providing comprehensive support services that pave the way to graduation for underrepresented students. We are committed to providing a welcoming learning environment that fosters the intellectual, personal and professional growth of all program participants.

We Offer:

• Academic Support and Guidance
• Advocacy and Personal Support
• Peer Mentoring
• Tutorial Assistance
• Career Preparation
• Financial Aid Guidance
• Graduate School Preparation
• Leadership Development
• Cultural and Community Events
• Computer Lab and Study Area

TRIO McNair Scholars

The Ronald E. McNair Post-baccalaureate Achievement Program is one of seven federally funded programs under the TRIO umbrella that supports first-generation and low-income students.

The Path to Graduate School

The McNair program is designed to help first-generation, low-income undergraduate students, and those who are under-represented, pursue doctoral study and consider a career in college teaching. Participants will receive research opportunities, faculty mentoring, and seminars to prepare them for doctoral study.

Seeking a Ph.D?

At CU Denver, McNair is funded to serve 25 academically skilled juniors and seniors who have strong ambitions of completing a Ph.D. To be eligible, students must be both first-generation and low-income and/or be from one of the following under-represented groups, Black/African American, Hispanic/Latino, Native American/Alaskan native, or Pacific Islander/Native Hawaiian.

We Offer:

• Graduate school preparation
• Research stipends for summer research
• Faculty/mentor guidance
• Travel support to McNair symposiums
• Professional development and networking opportunities