Trio Program Offers Support For Students, Applications Being Accepted

The Federal TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) program at Ozarka College provides opportunities for academic development, assists students with basic college requirements, and serves to motivate students toward the successful completion of their postsecondary education.  The goal of TRIO SSS is to increase the college retention and graduation rates of its participants and facilitate the process of transition from one level of higher education to the next.  The services offered by Ozarka's TRIO SSS include: academic advising; tours of four-year colleges or universities, appointments with admissions, financial aid, and faculty advisors; assistance with transfer scholarships; financial and economic literacy; information and assistance in completing and applying for Federal Student Aid; informational workshops; peer and professional tutoring; career guidance; and cultural enrichment activities.Eligibility for SSS is established through the U.S. Department of Education.  Students applying for the program must meet one of the following qualifications:   low income, first generation college student, or have a disability.  Further, students should be enrolled in a transferrable program at Ozarka College. All students must be U.S. citizens or meet residency requirements.Ozarka College has four staff members in the SSS Department.  Tracy Cone serves as Program Director, Ashley Sherrell is the Academic Services Coordinator, Bryan Jeffery is the Transfer Specialist, and Shelia Titus is the Administrative Specialist.    TRIO SSS is currently accepting student applications for the fall 2016 semester.  Ozarka College students who meet eligibility requirements are encouraged to apply.  For more information call TRIO SSS at 870.368.2036 or stop by the TRIO office in Melbourne, Ash Flat, Mammoth Spring, or Mountain View.