Student Support Services

TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) at the University of Wisconsin-Superior (UWS) is a federally funded program designed to support students who meet certain eligibility criteria to successfully navigate college and earn a degree. 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.

TRIO SSS offers a range of supports including academic advisement and supplemental tutoring, educational workshops and seminars on topics such as time-management, study skills, social engagement, personal wellness, financial literacy, graduate school preparation, cultural literacy/competency, and more. SSS also offers grant aid scholarships to qualifying students, as well as leadership opportunities through a peer mentoring program.

In order to qualify for SSS, students must be first-generation college students (meaning neither parent(s) nor guardian(s) has earned a four-year college degree), and/or meet Federally-established low-income criteria, and/or have a documented disability.

TRIO Student Support Services Grant Aid/Scholarship

Each year TRIO SSS awards over $40,000 in Grant-Aid/Scholarships to its eligible participants to help with education costs at UW-Superior. Priority will be given to:

• Students who are enrolled and remained active in the TRIO SSS program.
• Students who have demonstrated progressive academic achievement toward graduation.
• Students who receive Federal Pell Grants, determined by the Financial Aid Office.

To apply, please visit the TRIO Student Support Services website or email triosss@uwsuper.edu with any questions.

TRIO Programs

TRIO Programs-Pipeline Students: Pipeline students are those students who travel from Upward Bound and then onto another TRIO Program in college such as Student Support Services and McNair Scholars Program as they progress through their higher education. These programs also help these students who are often financially challenged to work through the difficult financial aid process. The goal of these programs is to develop skilled, focused, and motivated students to engage them in the idea of attending and being the first in their family to graduate from a post-secondary institution.

Upward Bound

Upward Bound (UB) is a federally funded program that provides fundamental support to 56, 9-12 grade high school students from the Superior School District in their preparation for college entrance. The program provides opportunities for participants from low-income families; families in which neither parent holds a bachelor's degree to succeed in their precollege performance and ultimately in their higher education pursuits. The goal of UB is to increase the rate at which participants complete secondary education and enroll in and graduate from institutions of postsecondary education.

During the summer, UB students participate in a six-week residency program on the UW-Superior campus. Students live in a residence hall, take challenging academic classes, and participate in a variety of field trips as well as cultural, social, athletic, and career-related activities. The summer program offers opportunities for gaining confidence and independence through hard work and academic achievement in a simulated college setting. During the academic year, UB students receive tutoring in subject matter from UWS college students at UWS. In addition, one Saturday a month students partake in workshops that focus on career development, financial literacy, and how to combat test anxiety, just to name a few. Lastly during the academic year student have the opportunity to take field trips to various places for college tours.

TRIO McNair Scholars Program

The Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement Program (TRIO McNair Scholars Program) at the University of Wisconsin-Superior prepares income eligible, first-generation college students and students from groups underrepresented in graduate education for doctoral study by providing transformative research experiences, exceptional mentorship, and intentional professional & personal development.  

Aligning with the University of Wisconsin-Superior’s mission, the TRIO McNair Scholars Program is committed to fostering intellectual growth and career preparation through individualized attention with each McNair Scholar. The TRIO McNair Scholars Program is committed to preparing underserved student populations for graduate education while providing exposure to cultural events and academic programs typically not available to disadvantaged students.  

TRIO McNair Scholars Program
University of Wisconsin-Superior
Swenson Hall 2047
PO Box 2000
Superior, WI 54880
Phone: 715-394-8043
Email: mcnair@uwsuper.edu