August 27, 2025

Forsyth Technical Community College is celebrating the renewal of its TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) grant, ensuring that critical student support will continue. The U.S. Department of Education’s renewal of the SSS grant provides approximately $272,000 in funding for the 2025–2026 academic year as part of a new five-year cycle. This grant allows the college to serve 140 eligible students each year with comprehensive academic and personal support. “We are honored to have our TRIO SSS grant renewed. This means we can continue empowering our students to overcome challenges and achieve their academic goals,” said Jessica Rogers, Executive Director of TRIO Programs at Forsyth Tech.

TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) is a federally funded program designed to help disadvantaged college students persist and succeed. SSS is one of eight federal TRIO programs that target low-income individuals, first-generation college students, and students with disabilities, guiding them through the academic pipeline to graduation. At Forsyth Tech, the SSS program provides an array of services to foster student success. Participants receive individualized educational success plans and one-on-one coaching, and benefit from services aimed at boosting retention, graduation, and transfer rates.

Services offered by TRIO SSS include:

  • Academic tutoring and study skills support: One-on-one or group tutoring in various subjects (e.g. math or writing)
  • Academic advising and transfer assistance: Guidance on course selection and support with transferring to four-year universities.
  • Financial aid guidance and literacy education: Assistance with financial aid applications and workshops on financial planning and economic literacy.
  • Personal counseling and mentoring: Individual counseling to address personal challenges, guide career exploration, and offer academic advice, including mentorship from staff and peers.
  • Cultural enrichment opportunities: Exposure to cultural events and activities that foster a sense of community.

These comprehensive services level the playing field for students who might otherwise struggle with barriers to higher education. The SSS program not only helps participants stay in school and graduate, but also fosters a campus climate where underserved students can thrive. Ultimately, TRIO SSS helps ensure that success in college is determined by students’ talent and effort rather than by their socioeconomic background.

Supporting Underserved Students at Forsyth Tech

Forsyth County – a community with economic and educational challenges – is home to many Forsyth Tech students who are the first in their families to attend college or who come from limited-income households. In the 2023–2024 academic year alone, the college enrolled over 8,700 curriculum students, and about 75% of them met at least one SSS eligibility criterion (such as being low-income, first-generation, or having a disability). These students often encounter academic and personal barriers that can impede their success in higher education. The TRIO SSS program is specifically designed to address those challenges by providing targeted support where it’s needed most.

With the grant renewal, Forsyth Tech will continue to employ a dedicated SSS staff to carry out this mission. The program is staffed by a director and coaches who guide participants through their college journey.

SSS participants receive tailored academic plans, proactive mentoring, and timely interventions when challenges arise. In today’s economy, a college credential is increasingly essential, which makes TRIO SSS’s support for degree completion all the more crucial. This intensive approach is expected to boost retention and graduation rates among participants.

The renewed grant provides about $272,000 for 2025–26, covering program personnel, tutoring and counseling services, educational supplies, and even some direct grant aid to students. Forsyth Tech has demonstrated strong institutional support for SSS as well, providing dedicated facilities, equipment, and coordination with other campus resources to ensure participants have what they need to succeed. Together, the federal funding and Forsyth Tech’s support maximize the impact of TRIO SSS on campus.

Moving forward, the TRIO SSS program will incorporate more hands-on, work-based learning opportunities and create clearer pathways for students to transfer to four-year colleges. These initiatives align with federal priorities and aim to further improve outcomes for underserved populations. By emphasizing practical experience and seamless transfer routes, the program is positioning students for long-term success.

The renewal of the TRIO SSS grant means that for the next several years, Forsyth Tech students will continue to have a place to turn for academic help, financial guidance, career advice, and personal support. With this continued federal funding, the college is furthering its mission of empowering students and transforming communities. Hundreds of first-generation and low-income students in Forsyth County will have a better chance to achieve their higher education goals and build a brighter future.