TRiO Student Support Services

Enrolling in and attending college presents many new opportunities for growth and development. Student Support Services (SSS) is a program designed to help students who are income eligible, first generation and/or have a documented disability successfully navigate this new adventure. We serve students who have the potential and desire to achieve the goal of a college degree or certificate while meeting program eligibility requirements. The program serves as your personal guide through the educational process at RCC to success.

RCC receives funding for SSS from the U.S. Department of Education through TRiO, a series of federal higher education support grant programs. Participant eligibility criteria are dictated by the federal grant. Learn the steps to take part in the SSS program.

Support services are available free of charge and include:

• Counseling is available for you to discuss your college experiences, personal life, and career choices
• Advising allows for the exploration of your 4-year college transfer needs, selection of your RCC classes, and tracking your coursework towards graduation
• Tutoring is offered on-line through the Brainfuse program in Canvas
• College Success Workshops are scheduled throughout the semester to engage you in learning effective study habits, time management skills, transfer information, and general college transition strategies
• Cultural Events expose you to historical sites, plays, music, art, museums, 4-year college tours, and sports events in order to broaden your experiences and opportunities
• Financial Aid and Scholarship Assistance affords you the opportunity to stay current on the necessary steps to complete the Federal FAFSA form and provides information on available scholarships for RCC students. The SSS program also distributes a limited number of student grant awards to eligible participants.
• Financial Literacy Workshops for SSS participants are facilitated by local financial experts.  Topics include help with financing a college education, understanding how to use credit, how to create and maintain a budget, and how to keep your bank account balanced
• Assistance for Students with Disabilities encourages students to be self-advocates and works in collaboration with the disability services arranged through the Office of Student Development. RCC provides appropriate academic accommodations as provided by Titles II and III of the Americans with Disabilities Act and Title V of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973

Eligibility

Participation in the program is based upon the following criteria (as created by Federal guidelines):

1. Enrolled or accepted for enrollment at RCC
2. Citizen or national of the U.S. or student meeting residency requirements for federal student financial aid
3. And meets at least one of the following criteria:
   • Low-income: Family taxable income should meet appropriate federal guidelines, as assessed by program staff. Students who receive a Pell Grant and/or public aid usually meet this guideline.
   • First generation college student: Neither of your parents earned a four-year college degree.
   • Have documentation of physical, mental or emotional disability within the last three years.
   • Enrolled in a transfer program.

All RCC SSS students must demonstrate the academic potential for graduating from RCC or transferring to a four-year college.

Ready to join?

Schedule a meeting with the SSS counselor on your campus to determine your eligibility.

Glenns Campus:
Tychier Nickens
804-758-6747
tnickens@rappannock.edu

Warsaw Campus:
Joseph Coleman
804-333-6736
jwcoleman@rappahannock.edu

Complete and submit the application provided by the counselor. Set goals, participate, and commit to success through the SSS program. In addition to your completed application, please bring the following documentation to your first meeting with the SSS counselor:

• Current Financial Aid Award (Pell Grant) letter or
• Copy of most recently signed and filed 1040 tax form(s) — and, if applicable
• Written documentation of disability