What is Student Support Services Emerging Scholars Program?
Student Support Services (SSS) is a Federal TRIO program designed to provide guidance to first-generation and low-income students. The program provides opportunities for academic development, assists students with basic college requirements, and serves to motivate students towards the successful completion of their postsecondary education. The SSS program may also provide scholarships to current SSS participants who are receiving Federal Pell Grants. The goal of 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 program serves 175 students for the 2005-2009 grant period.
What can the program do for me?
- Academic advising and priority registration
- Career, Personal, and Financial Counseling
- Tutorial services
- Access to SSS Instructional Lab with computers
- Preparation for transfer to four-year colleges
- Scholarship Opportunities
- Support for Students with Disabilities
- Cultural and Academic Enrichment programs
- Peer, Campus, and Professional Mentoring
Am I eligible for the program?
Students must meet the following criteria for participation in the Student Support Services Emerging Scholars Program:
- Must be a citizen or national of the United States or meet the residency requirement for federal student financial assistance
- Must be enrolled or accepted for enrollment at Calhoun Community College
- Must meet one or more of the following:
- First generation college student (neither parent graduated from college with a bachelor’s degree)
- Low-income status established by the US Census Bureau (click here to view)
- Documented disability
- Must demonstrate an academic need
- Academic need includes any one or more of the following:
- high school GPA of 2.5 or below
- ACT score of 20 or below (total score or any one sub test)
- SAT score of 930 or below (total score)
- SAT math sub-score of 460 or below
- Placement in developmental Math or English courses
- College Cumulative GPA of 2.0 or below (total score)
- Failing grades in one or more courses
- Returning adult student (5 or more years since attending school)
- Risking the loss of scholarship award
- Enrollment in a highly demanding and stressful course of study, including engineering, nursing, math-based business majors, and pre-medical majors
What are my responsibilities if I join the program?
- You must meet with Emerging Scholars Program staff at least three (3) times per semester for academic advisement.
- You must participate in a minimum of two (2) cultural/academic enrichment events per school year.
- You must attend mandatory seminars and study skills workshops.
- You must attend at least one four-year college/university campus visit.
- You must enroll in at least 6 credit hours each semester.
How do I apply?
If you believe you may meet the criteria for the program and would like an application packet, please call 306-2993 or visit the program office at Chasteen Student Center, room 224. You may also download an application from the Student Support Services Emerging Scholars Program website.
Is there a deadline to apply?
There is a preferential application deadline of August 1st of each academic year. Spaces in the program are limited, so apply early.
Where can I get more information about the program?
After viewing the information here on the website, should you require further information, please contact the TRIO SSS Emerging Scholars program office at (256) 306-2987 or 2634.
Does it cost anything to join SSS Emerging Scholars Program?
No. There is no cost to the students. The program is fully funded by a grant from the Department of Education.
What are current participants saying about the program?
“Student Support Services has been a positive influence in my life. I have seen my grades improve as well as my ability to think critically. I would highly recommend this service to anyone that wants to succeed in college.” --Donna Burgess
“Student Support Services has been very wonderful to me. It has given me so many opportunities that I probably never would have had in my life. I will be transferring this semester to Alabama South University but I never will forget all the great people that I’ve met. Also, Susan has not only been a great director, but she has also been a wonderful inspiration in my life. Thank you all so much and I will miss you all.” --Misty Navarrete
“Fellow students, I will be the first to tell you how grateful I am for the dedication of all the staff for Student Support Services. Every time I come upstairs with a problem or concern, there is a smile and encouraging word from Susan, Phyllis, Annie, Julian, Wanda, and Laquinn. My tutors have been a wonderful help. The times of the fellowship with everyone have been a blessing. I am proud to be a part of such a caring group of people.” --Joyce Dunn
“If someone asked me if they should join Student Support Services, all I could say is YES!!! What Student Support Services has done for me is amazing. The program has helped me stay focused on my goals with the one-on-one support from the staff. Everyone knows your name and makes special efforts to make you feel welcome and wanted. The academic support is great also they offer free tutoring and a mentoring program. Participants get the opportunity to see plays and concerts, which help to expand our cultural awareness. One of the greatest benefits is the opportunity for a scholarship. I really have enjoyed the program and am very grateful for the experience. I don’t know where I would be without it.” --Jennifer Nolf-Jean
