TCC Awarded $1.3M for First Generation Students, Economically Challenged Students and Students with Disabilities

Tulsa Community College received $1.3 million to help first generation college students, economically challenged students or students with disabilities. The federal grant, for TRIO Student Support Services, is awarded every five years by the U.S. Department of Education for academic needs.

“Working one-on-one, our academic counselors become a student’s educational advocate and help them develop a personal education plan with defined goals and action steps. We realize these students might face additional challenges or obstacles in college and through this federal program we are here to help,” said Joseph Schnetzer, MS, TRIO SSS director at TCC.

TRIO SSS provides individualized support services such as tutoring, academic advising, university transfer counseling, career exploration guidance, assistance in applying for scholarships and other forms of financial aid, and educational and cultural events for students. The services, funded by the grant, are free to students. Currently, the TRIO SSS office at TCC serves 165 students and is part of the Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion.

“We meet students where they are and through TRIO SSS. We are able to provide even more support and services to wrap around each student as they move through their educational journey,” said Nate Todd, dean of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion at TCC.

Additional benefits include tuition waivers awarded through TRIO SSS each year. This year approximately 50 students will each be awarded a $1,000 tuition waiver. Plus, TRIO SSS students are first in line to enroll for classes each semester. TRIO SSS also awards four $500 scholarships each year, funded by the TCC Foundation.

TCC is currently accepting applications to the TRIO SSS program. Learn more or complete an application. You can also email triosss@tulsacc.edu or call 918-595-8970 for more information.