Student Support Services Program (84.042A)

The Student Support Services Program (84.042A) aims to increase the college retention and graduation rates of its participants. Through its grant competition, funds are awarded to institutions of higher education to provide opportunities for academic development, assist students with basic college requirements, and to motivate students toward the successful completion of their postsecondary education. Student Support Services (SSS) projects also may provide grant aid to current SSS participants who are receiving Federal Pell Grants.

All SSS projects must provide: 

• Academic tutoring, which may include instruction in reading, writing, study skills, mathematics, science, and other subjects; 
• Advice and assistance in postsecondary course selection, assisting students with information on both the full range of student financial aid programs, benefits and resources for locating public and private scholarships; and assistance in completing financial aid applications. 
• Education or counseling services designed to improve the financial and economic literacy and assist students in applying for admission to graduate and professional programs; and 
• Assisting students enrolled in two-­year institutions and applying for admission to, and obtaining financial assistance for enrollment in four­-year programs. 

The SSS projects may also provide:

• Individualized counseling for personal, career, and academic information, activities, and instruction designed to acquaint students with career options; 
• Exposure to cultural events and academic programs not usually available; 
• Mentoring programs;
• Securing temporary housing during breaks for students who are homeless youths and students who are in foster care or are aging out of the foster care system.

Funding History

The historical funding allocation, number of awards, number of participants, average award, average number of participants and average cost per participant for fiscal years 2001 through 2024 is captured below:

ⁱTotal funding includes $19,506,097 in one-time Grant Aid supplemental grants.

ⁱⁱTotal funding includes $19,506,097 in one-time Grant Aid supplemental grants.

ⁱⁱⁱSSS funding less one-time hurricane supplements: $274,545,170. Average award and cost per participant based on total funding less one-time supplements.

^ivThe FY 2004 funding for SSS includes $28,229,965 for grant aid.

^vThe FY 2002 funding includes $3,740,000 for one-time supplemental grants for technology for some SSS projects and $28,293,179 in grant aid.

Legislation 

• Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended; Title IV, Part A, Subpart 2, Chapter 1, Sec. 402D; 20 U.S.C. 1070a-14
• Legislation for SSS Grant Aid

• Official Final Regulations Amending TRIO Regulations, as published in the Federal Register on October 26, 2010. These final regulations amend the Student Support Services program regulations.
• Code of Federal Regulations, Title 34, Part 646
• Education Department General Administrative Regulations in 34 CFR parts 74, 75, 77, 79, 80, 81, 82, 84, 85, 86, 97, 98, and 99

• Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards - The Department worked closely with the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to streamline some federal circulars into a single guidance document, and make conforming changes to Department regulations. The combined document is known as the "Uniform Guidance" and is codified at 2 CFR 200.

The most recent competition for this program was held in FY 2025. View the FY 2025 Notice Inviting Applications for the Student Support Services Program, dated May 1, 2024. The next competition is expected to be held in FY 2030.

Eligibility

Institutions of higher education or a combination of institutions of higher education are the only entities eligible to compete for funds under the Student Support Services program. If you have questions about eligibility, please contact OPE_TRIO@ed.gov.

Participant Eligibility for Program Services

To receive assistance, students must be enrolled or accepted for enrollment in a program of postsecondary education at a grantee institution. Low-income students who are first-generation college students and students with disabilities evidencing academic need are eligible to participate in SSS projects. Two-thirds of the participants in any SSS project must be either disabled or first-generation college students from low-income families. One-third of the disabled participants must also be low-income students.

Participant Eligibility for Grant Aid

To receive SSS program grant aid, students must be current participants in the SSS project who are in their first two years of postsecondary education and receiving Federal Pell Grants. Grant aid may be offered to students who have completed their first two years of postsecondary education and are receiving Federal Pell Grants if the institution demonstrates that these students are at high risk of dropping out and it has first met the needs of all its eligible first and second-year students.