Purpose of Program
The purpose of the Student Support Services Program (SSS) is to increase the retention and graduation rates of income eligible, first generation college, and students with disabilities
What is Student Support Services Program
SSS is a TRiO program federally funded by the U.S. Department of Education that is at Weatherford College. Its purpose is to provide services to eligible students to help them succeed at Weatherford College and assist them in transferring to four-year institutions. The Student Support Services program is committed to making college a rewarding and successful experience for each student participant.
Benefits of Participation
- Increased retention and graduation rates
- Increased transfer rates from 2-year to 4-year institutions
- Tutoring support with low student/tutor ratio
- Assistance with FAFSA, scholarship and loan applications
- Academic advisor to help with degree planning
- Increased employability skills and job search preparation
- Smooth transfer to a 4-year university
- Improved financial literacy
Services Provided
As an active participant of SSS, there are numerous support services available to you at no cost.
Participants with the assistance of the SSS Advisor will create an IDP incorporating personal, academic and career goals outlining all indicated support services needed by the participants.
One-on-one and /or group tutoring is available to participants as needed.
Participants will have access to a number of counseling services including; academic, career, college transfer, financial aid and personal counseling.
A variety of topics designed to enhance a student’s college success will be offered each semester.
Cultural enrichment events such as visits to museums and art galleries, as well as attendance at theatrical performances and lectures will be offered.
Provide campus tours of selected universities, opportunity to meet with various university recruiters, connect student with advisor at the transfer university and assist in completing necessary forms for financial aid and scholarship at the transfer university.
Provide financial literacy, assistance with FAFSA and other forms for financial aid, make available various scholarship opportunities and monitor financial aid GPA for each student.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible to receive services from the TRiO SSS Program you must:
- Be enrolled at Weatherford College
- Be a citizen or permanent resident of the United States
- Meet one OR more of the following:
Be income eligible as outlined by federal guidelines
The TRiO regulations define a first generation college student as:
- A student neither of whose natural or adoptive parents received a baccalaureate degree
- A student who, prior to the age of 18, regularly resided with and received support from only one parent and whose supporting parent did not receive a baccalaureate degree
- An individual who, prior to the age of 18, did not regularly reside with or receive support from a natural or an adoptive parent
Title 34 CFR EDGAR 77.1
Register with the Weatherford College Accommodations and Disabilities Office
Meet the Staff
Director of Student Support Services Program
Maria Elena Gallegos, M.Ed
817-598-6484
maraiza@wc.edu
Specialist
Ryan Matheny, B.A.SSS Specialist
Academic Advisor
Jade Stults, M.B.A.SSS Academic Advisor
The SSS program at Weatherford College is 100% funded with federal funds from the U.S. Department of Education to serve 160 participants in the amount of $294,722.00 per year for 5 years of the 2020-2025 grant cycle.
Purpose of Program
The purpose of the Student Support Services Porgram (SSS) is to increase the retention and graduation rates of income eligible, first generation college, and students with disabilities.