TRIO SSS Eligibility

TRIO Student Support Services at Big Bend Community College is committed to equitable access. Participation in the program is open to all individuals regardless of race, color, national origin, or sex. All students who meet the federally defined eligibility criteria are encouraged to apply.

Eligibility for TRIO SSS is determined by federal guidelines and college policy. To receive services through the program at Big Bend Community College, students must meet the following criteria, including being a high school graduate as required by institutional policy: 

1. Be U.S. Citizen or US national who meets the residency requirements for Federal student aid.
2. Be enrolled at BBCC in a degree/certificate program or be accepted for enrollment in the next academic term AND demonstrate academic need for program participation (determined during the application process)
3. And meet at least one of the following criteria:
   1. A first-generation college student
   2. A low-income individual
   3. An individual with disabilities

**A preference is given to students who have an intent to transfer and are first-generation AND low-income or are a student living with a disability**

Definitions:

• First-generation college student: Neither parent or primary caregiver has completed a bachelor’s degree
• Low-income individual:  An individual whose family’s taxable income for the preceding year did not exceed 150 percent of the poverty level amount (current levels below). 
• An individual with disabilities: A person who has a disability, as that term is defined in section 12102 of the Americans with Disabilities Act as confirmed by BBCC Accommodations department.