TRIO Student Support Services

TRIO SSS & Epic Scholars Program Application

Thank you for your interest in joining TRIO SSS and/or the Epic Scholars Program! The application for Spring 2025/Fall 2025 is now open. Please complete the following steps to apply:

1. Complete the Application.

2. Submit your low-income verification: To determine income eligibility, we use federal income guidelines for TRIO SSS.

Please submit a copy of one of the following to the TRIO SSS LiquidFiles (a secure file transfer system). This step is crucial for expediting your application process.

• If you are a dependent student, send a copy of your Parent’s/Guardian’s 2023 Federal Income Tax Return.
• If you are an independent student, send a copy of your 2023 Federal Income Tax return.
• If you did not file taxes or complete a FAFSA for 2023-2024 you can complete and submit the 2023 Family_Student Income Verification.

3. Complete an Intake Interview & Assessment.

• After we verify your financial eligibility, a Peer Mentor will contact you to schedule our intake interview and assessments.

If you have any questions about the program, contact the team at [email protected] 

Eligibility:

We serve students who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents with an academic need who meet at least one of the following criteria:

• neither parent graduated from a four-year college
• qualify as low-income under federal income guidelines
• have a disability documented with the Access Center

Benefits and Opportunities

Academic Coaching and Support
Every community member is paired with a TRIO SSS Advisor who provides academic advising, coaching and guidance.

Peer Mentorship
First-year and transfer students receive guidance and support from other TRIO SSS students on how to succeed at MSU Denver.

Tutoring and Academic Skill Development
Free individualized tutoring in math, writing, and college learning strategies.

Financial Assistance, Planning and Education
TRIO students receive receive assistance in navigating educational funding opportunities by offering support in completing the FAFSA, scholarships, financial planning and financial literacy.

In-Demand Career Skills and Graduate School Preparation
We create pathways for a successful transition from college to a career or a graduate program by identifying and increasing individual strengths and skill sets.

Connection to Campus Resources
We bridge our members to students, faculty and staff to increase their readiness to advance in a career or attend graduate school.

Cultural Awareness, Understanding and Appreciation
We build a sense of community while engaging in cultural events that expand students’ views about differences.

Computer Lab and Study Lounge
We offer a comfortable space where our students can focus on their learning outside the classroom.

Requirements each semester

Once a student is accepted into the TRIO SSS program, the participant is expected to fulfill the following participation requirements each semester:

• Meet with a TRIO SSS professional advisor at least 2 times per semester
• Complete an Education Action Career Plan with a TRIO SSS Scholar Advisor per semester during one of the advising meetings
• Meet with a TRIO SSS peer mentor/tutor at least 1 time per semester
• Attend at least 2 academic, graduate school preparation or career development workshop per semester 
• Complete 1 TRIO SSS social, cultural or community building per semester
• Complete at least 1 financial wellness session per semester