SCC Secures over $1.3 million grant to renew TRIO Student Support Services Program

Published on Aug 12, 2025

Somerset Community College (SCC) is excited to announce the renewal of its TRIO Student Support Services (TRIO SSS) program. Somerset Community College (SCC) will receive more than $1.3 million to continue its TRIO SSS program through 2029. This impactful program offers academic tutoring, financial aid and scholarship guidance, career exploration and mentoring to 140 eligible students annually. The new grant cycle begins September 1 and carries an annual budget of $272,364.

The renewal of the TRIO SSS program is made possible through federal funding, and SCC is dedicated to leveraging these resources to foster a supportive academic community.

Obtaining a TRIO SSS grant involves a competitive application process managed by the U.S. Department of Education, where eligible colleges and universities submit comprehensive proposals outlining how they will support first-generation, low-income and disabled students through academic tutoring, counseling, financial aid assistance, and other retention-focused services. Applications are evaluated based on need, program design, and institutional commitment, with funding awarded to the highest-scoring proposals for a typical five-year cycle.

Jordan Asher, a resident of Pulaski County and former TRIO SSS student at SCC, proudly graduated this May, earning his degree in the Computer Manufacturing and Machining Program.

Reflecting on his educational journey, Asher credits essential programs like TRIO and Work Study at SCC for his success. "Without these resources, I may not have made it this far in my education," he shared.

Having been homeschooled throughout his high school years, Asher found the transition back into a traditional classroom setting to be daunting. To ease into college life, he chose to enroll in his first class, First-Year Experience (FYE), led by a TRIO advisor. The in-person format was both a challenge and an opportunity.

As a first-generation student (His parents neither completed a 4-year degree), Asher faced the challenges of navigating the college application process alone. “I felt a mix of excitement and uncertainty, especially with financial aid,” he said. “I had never even heard of FAFSA before.” Fortunately, he received crucial support from TRIO advising and his TRIO teacher.

Asher also took advantage of the Work Study program during his time at SCC, which not only allowed him to connect with his classmates but also helped maintain his academic momentum.

“Living in an area with limited internet access posed challenges, especially when it came to submitting assignments online,” he explained. “Sometimes the uploads took twice as long or failed altogether. However, being on campus as a Work Study student gave me the structure I needed, and my job in Advising helped me build a supportive community that encouraged and motivated me.”

Now, as a graduate, Asher is ready to embark on the next chapter of his career. His instructor praised him for his hard work and determination, noting that he secured a job in Berea, where he will earn around $27 an hour—one of the highest starting salaries for graduates of the CMM program.

Jordan Asher’s journey exemplifies the power of perseverance, community support, and the transformative impact of education, proving that with the right resources and determination, anything is possible.

These significant initiatives will continue to provide critical resources and support for eligible students facing various academic and socioeconomic challenges

SCC has 5,013 students, with 4,198 (about 84%) eligible for TRIO SSS based on criteria like, being a first-generation college student, low-income status or having a disability. The updated TRIO SSS program aims to improve their educational experience from enrollment to graduation.

Key highlights from the recent TRIO SSS eligibility data for SCC's Fall semester include: -

First-Generation Students: 2,702 (54% of enrolled students), Low-Income Students: 3,731 (74% of enrolled students), Students with Disabilities:176 (4% of enrolled students), Need for Academic Support: 634 students identified as requiring additional assistance

Through individualized services, including academic tutoring, financial aid, scholarship guidance, career exploration, personal and academic counseling, and mentoring, TRIO SSS empowers students to overcome barriers to success.

These comprehensive supports significantly increase the likelihood that students will complete their degree or successfully transfer with the lowest possible debt.

"We are thrilled to renew our commitment to the Student Support Services program," said Nicole New, Director, Student Support Services at SCC. "TRIO programs are a valuable resource for many who may not otherwise have access to higher education. Our aim is to provide every student with the tools and resources they need to thrive in their academic journey. Student Support Services works to create a bridge to success for first-generation college students.”

Become a part of the SCC supportive community by signing up for Fall Term at somerset.kctcs.edu. Classes begin August 18!