This year, Riverland Community College submitted its first comprehensive TRIO/Student Support Services annual performance report to the Department of Education and earned the maximum points possible in its first year.

That success ensures Riverland will continue to receive $1.1 million grant funds to support the TRIO/SSS program each year for the five-year grant cycle.

To celebrate the first successful year, Riverland TRIO/SSS on Wednesday conducted a ribbon-cutting ceremony at its newly-decorated office space and student computer kiosk center. The Austin Area Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors, President Adenuga Atewologun, Riverland administration, faculty and staff.

TRIO/SSS provides a variety of academic support services to students who are first generation college students, with limited income, and/or with disabilities, enabling them to persist and graduate from Riverland. TRIO/SSS participants are expected to meet certain requirements in order to remain active in the program, including meeting with their assigned advisor three times per semester and attending two workshops and other events throughout the year. This proactive system of guidance and career counseling results in student success. Participants should have a desire to continue their education at a four-year university after completing their associate degree at Riverland.

“The goal of our TRIO/SSS program is to break the first-generation cycle,” said Chelsea Anderson, TRIO director. “We strive to empower our participants to beat the odds and become the first in their family to go on to earn a four-year college degree.”

Career services, such as resume writing and interview skills, personal development and leadership opportunities are all components of building support for the students.

“These are students who will one day be working in our communities, opening small businesses, or leading within their organizations,” Anderson said.