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Student Support Services Program

2023 trio awards group

Welcome

Zoom 2021 Trio Awards Ceremony

Student Support Services (SSS) is a federally funded program through the U.S. Department of Education that provides free academic, career, financial, personal, social, and technological assistance and support to eligible college students. The purpose of this program  is to increase retention, graduation, and transfer rates by providing and coordinating various educational support services. We help eligible participants adjust to college life, achieve academic success, graduate, and move on to become contributing members of society.

 

TRiO Team is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: Click here to ZOOM with TRiO
Time: This is a recurring meeting Meet anytime

Join Zoom Meeting

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Meeting ID: 965 2841 5014
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TUTORING

Individualized tutoring is offered in Math and English. College wide tutoring services are also offered. Each semester varies, so please check the current schedule.

Fall 2024 Tutoring Schedule | September 16 - December 20, 2024
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
Zoom Only Santiago 9-11am
Danny 11am-2pm

Danny 11am-2pm
Alana 10am-4pm
Dr. Crump 12-5pm
Santiago 9-11am
Danny 1-2pm
Danny 11am-2pm
Santiago 1-5pm
Danny 10am-2pm Zoom Only
Volunteers
  • Dr. Szwerc - Physics, Engineering Science
  • Dr. McCleskey - Anatomy and Physiology
  • Ms. Elly Sullivan - English
  • Samiya Farhin - Biology, Chemistry
  • Prof. Kapikian - English, Humanities
Peer Tutors
  • Alana Light - Statistics, English, Anthropology
  • Danny Setiawan - English, Reading, Blackboard
  • Santiago Campero - Math, Physics
Faculty & Staff Tutors
  • Dr. Crump - English, Reading
  • Ms. Boyer - Business, STSU courses
  • Ms. Nguyen - Biology, Psychology
  • Dr. Pyakuryal – Math, Physics, Chemistry
Monday/Tuesday/Thursday 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Wednesday 1 - 2 p.m.
Friday 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Friday 2 - 4 p.m. By appointment only
Email 
Monday/Wednesday 9-11 a.m., Thursday 1 - 5 p.m.
Email 

Volunteer

Dr. Richard Szwerc - Physics, Engineering Science, Advanced Mathematics
Dr. Ed McCleskey - Anatomy and Physiology
Dr. Albert Kapikian - English, Humanities
Ms. Samiya Farhin - Biology, Chemistry

WORKSHOPS

Workshops are offered during each semester featuring topics on Selecting a Major, Career Exploration and Planning, College Success, and Personal Development.

The workshops offered are available here as a pdf file, and may also be found on our Trio Bulletin Board outside the computer lab in SB-006.  We are also open to suggestions if there are topics you would like to see offered in the future.

Workshops (PDF, Get Adobe Acrobat PDF Reader - Link opens in new window)

Rebecca.Boyer@montgomerycollege.edu | 240-567-1785

  • Dealing with Test Anxiety & Test Taking Skills
  • 7 Habits of Highly Effective Students
  • Research and Internet
  • Using Campus Resources
  • Applying / Renewing for Financial Aid
  • College File Management - Using OneDrive, Thumb drive, and Google Drive
  • Financial Aid and Student Loans Updates
  • How to search, apply and transfer to 4-year institutions
  • Microsoft Office Overview
  • Navigating myMC - All Important Tabs You MUST Know
  • Online Course Tips for Success
  • Registration/Transfer/Career Planning

Albert.Kapikian@montgomerycollege.edu | 240-567-7964

  • Finding Your Voice
  • U.S. History
  • Current Affairs Jeopardy
  • How to Read the U.S. Constitution
  • Writing a Research Paper
  • Reading and Writing Poetry
  • Critical Thinking Skills
  • The Art of Translation
  • Citizenship
  • How to Read (and not read) Textbooks
  • Philosophical Inquiry & Theological Inquiry

Huong.Nguyen@montgomerycollege.edu | 240-567-8008

  • Biology 101/150 Weekly Review Seminars: Tuesday 1-3 p.m.
  • How to search and apply for scholarships: Every Monday, 11 a.m.
  • How to become a Medical/Health Professional
  • Ditch the Flash Drives, Go with the Cloud
  • 10 Practical Useful Functions in Word, Excel, PowerPoint
  • STEM courses Test/Note Taking Skills
  • FAFSA Application and Renewal
  • Reversed Academic Advising & Where to Transfer?
  • Resume & Cover Letter Building & Mock Interview

Anil.Pyakuryal@montgomerycollege.edu | 240-567-5120 | Email for appointment

  • Pre-calculus and Calculus Problem Solving Sessions
  • Chemistry099/131 Weekly Review Sessions
  • Career-based STEM Training Information Session (NIH training and NASA fellowships): by appointment

Dr. Anil Pyakuryal

Chem
Physics
Math

Zoom Saturday only

anil.pyakuryal@montgomerycollege.edu  
Prof. Albert Kapikian

English
Reading
Humanities

M/W 9-10 a.m. ;
Tu/Th 9 a.m. -12 p.m.;
F 9 a.m. -1 p.m.

albert.kapikian@montgomerycollege.edu 240-567-7964
Ms. Becky Boyer

Financial Aid
Academic Advising

M-F 8 - 4 p.m.

Becky.Boyer@montgomerycollege.edu

Click here to Zoom with me!
M - F 9-11 a.m.

240-567-1785
Ms. Huong Nguyen

Biology
Financial Aid
Academic Advising

M-F 9 - 6 p.m.

Huong.Nguyen@montgomerycollege.edu

Click here to Zoom with me!
M - F 9-12 p.m. Sunday 7 - 8 p.m.

240-567-8008
  • For more information on Math and Sciences courses
    Please visit the Math/Science Center, Macklin Tower 002  240-567-5200
  • For more information on Reading, Writing, and Speech Courses
    Please visit the Writing, Reading and Language Center, Humanities, 002 240-567-7402
  • For more information on Grammar, Reading, and World Languages with digital language lab
    Please visit the Writing, Reading and Language Center, Macklin Tower, 020 240-567-4160
  • For more information on Computer Application and Computer Science courses
    Please visit the CA/CS Tutoring, Humanities Building, 320 240-567-5186

Must be:

  • U.S. Citizen, national or meets the residency requirements for Federal student financial assistance
  • Currently enrolled at MC
  • In need of academic support

AND

Meet one or more of the following:

  • First generation college student (neither parent has received a four year degree)
  • Low Income Individual (based on federal guidelines)
  • Individual with a disability (documented and referred by the college's Disability Support Services (DSS) office)

Take a look at our 2024 Trio program brochure (PDF, Get Adobe Acrobat PDF Reader - Link opens in new window) to find out more! 

Please complete the Application for the Student Support Services Program by either:
Email the application to Becky.Boyer@montgomerycollege.edu or Huong.Nguyen@montgomerycollege.edu.

2024 TRiO application (PDF)

Academic Advising & Monitoring:
Students will receive individual assistance in planning, scheduling, and registration for classes. Students will meet with their Advisor at least three times during the semester to address academic progress toward academic goal.

Career Advising:
Students will receive individual and/or group assistance in career exploration and planning. Program staff and the Career Center will work together to provide students with workshops or small group sessions that will allow them to explore and plan their careers.

Transfer Advising:
Students will receive individual and/or group assistance in preparation for transfer to four year colleges and universities. Transfer Center resources, college search materials, software (e.g., ARTSYS), MC Transfer Day, and program sponsored visits to area colleges will be available. Program staff will work with admission and financial aid staff at transfer institutions, and coordinate with Student Support Services programs on those campuses.

Financial Aid/ Financial Literacy Advising:
Students will receive individual and/or group assistance in exploring and applying for financial aid. Program staff will work with the Office of Financial Aid to ensure that Students' financial needs are met.  Program staff will work closely with students in educating on Financial Literacy.

Tutoring:
Program offers tutoring in Math and English. Program staff will also coordinate referrals for tutoring to the Rockville Counseling Department's Project Success program, the Math/Science Center, the Writing and Reading Center, and various academic departments.

Mentoring:
Students may request a mentor from the campus community who offer their varied experience and knowledge in assisting students in developing the personal, academic, and social skills necessary for the world of education and work.

Workshops:
Workshops are offered during each semester featuring topics on Selecting a Major, Career Exploration and Planning, College Success, and Personal Development.

Meet TRiO Students

Our TRiO students range from ages 18-50.  All of our students come from different walks of life and are enrolled at Montgomery College in numerous associate degree programs and certificates.

Staff and Students
A group of students with staff
Skateboarding
Skateboarding group
the group at Harpers Ferry
the girls in front of the thanksgiving baskets
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)

Q: What is TRIO Student Support Services?
A: Student Support Services (SSS) is a federal TRIO program that offers services to help participants succeed in college and graduate on a timely basis. Our purpose is to increase retention, graduation, and transfer rates among underrepresented students. The services include free tutoring, academic, financial aid and financial literacy advising, career development assistance, personal, academic, and career counseling, job shadowing and college success workshops and discussions.

Q: Can everyone participate?
A: No. SSS serves eligible students only. These include first-generation college students (neither parent graduated with a four-year degree) and income-eligible students (as determined by federal guidelines), as well as students with a documented disability. The program is an exclusive program and can only accept 175 students per semester. It is based on a first-come, first-served basis, so do not hesitate to apply.  All students who do not apply on time may be waitlisted until the following semester.

Q: Why should I become a participant?
A: SSS provides a personal college "safety net" from the freshman year through graduation. The program can help you build on your strengths and address your areas of concern. By becoming a participant, you will gain access to services and opportunities not available to other students on campus.

Q: If I join SSS, what am I required to do?
A: SSS tends to have expectations rather than requirements. It is expected that you will be committed to earning your degree and that you will take advantage of SSS services that meet your academic needs. The SSS staff will make recommendations for you that we expect you to carefully consider.

Q: Can SSS help with the transition to college life?
A: Yes! SSS offers peer mentors for incoming students. SSS also makes the transition smoother by offering one-on-one advising and career counseling as well as workshops on managing your time efficiently, getting along with instructors, financing your education, planning your four-year degree and beyond, and many other topics.

Q: I would like to meet more students like me. How can SSS help?
A: Our office arranges many social and educational events each semester. In the past, these have included college campus visits, overnight Hershey Park trips, and cultural trips to Washington D.C. The SSS program also collaborates with a variety of campus department and activities that participants can attend together.

Q: I have declared a major, but I am not sure it's right for me. Can SSS help?
A: Absolutely! SSS offers students supplemental academic advising as well as career counseling. SSS can help you to determine a program that best suits you interests, strengths and long-term plans, then help you to map out which courses you need and when to take them.

Q: How much time does it take to participate in the TRiO program?
A: This is up to you - it can take as little as one hour each quarter or several hours each week. You decide which services to utilize.

Q: Does it cost money to join?
A: No - everything in the program is free!

Q: How long can I be in the program?
A: Until you graduate and/or transfer to a four year institution.

Q: Who do I contact if I have questions?  
A: All SSS staff members work directly with our students, so feel free to contact any one of us at 240-567-1765 or send us an email: Huong.Nguyen@montgomerycollege.edu or Becky.Boyer@montgomerycollege.edu