TRIO-Student Support Service (TRIO-SSS) strives to provide a range of academic support, career guidance, transfer planning, and professional development opportunities to qualifying community college students who are first-generation in college, have a financial need, and/or disability and demonstrate strong academic potential.
TRIO-SSS is designed to:
- Increase the retention and graduation rates of eligible students;
- Increase the transfer rates of eligible students from two-year to four-year institutions; and
- Foster an institutional climate supportive of the success of individuals who are first generation college students and have a financial need, and individuals with a disability.
This project is federally funded through a $274,137 annual grant from the U.S. Department of Education (2020-2025). For more information please contact our office.
Program Information
Requirements
- A student is eligible to apply for the TRIO-SSS if a student meets all of the following requirements:
- Is a citizen or national of the United States or meets the residency requirements to apply for Free Application for Free Student Aid (FAFSA).
- The residency requirement includes students from American Samoa, Guam, the Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Palau, and the Northern Marianas Island.
- Students who possess a Resident Alien Card.
- Working towards an Associates degree at Honolulu Community College (HonCC) or plan on transferring to a four-year college or university.
- Have not already earned an Associate’s or higher degrees
- Has a need for academic support.
- Has strong academic potential.
- Meets one or more of the following criteria:
- First-generation college student (neither parent received a 4-year undergraduate degree from an accredited U.S. college)
- Low income student (determined by the Department of Education)
- Student with an appropriately documented disability
How to Apply
To see if you qualify for the TRIO-SSS program, please fill out the TRIO-SSS Program Application Once we receive your application, you will meet with our professional staff to determine your eligibility, space availability, and the services we offer.
Through faculty and staff referrals, each of our Peer tutors/coaches have been interviewed and selected by the TRIO-SSS professional staff. In addition, they have been trained and have been found competent to provide effective assistance to our program participants.
The Tutoring/Coaching Program has been designed to, guide and assist students with a particular subject or field of study, provide on going support, advice and encouragement, and share experiences that will assist students in their overall development. This service represents an important form of instruction that impacts students who are not only struggling with the academic and personal demands of college but to also encourage students to maintain, and stay on top of the demands to ensure good academic standings.
Furthermore, one of our greatest goals is to help students become independent learners. Our Peer Tutors are, not an information or answer dispenser. Students need to understand and be reminded that they are responsible for their own learning. It is the student’s responsibility to attend classes regularly, do the assigned work, projects, and readings.
These services are available during the Fall, Spring and Summer Sessions during TRIO-SSS normal working hours:
Monday through Friday (8:00 AM – 4:30PM)
Except for Weekends, Institutional Holidays, and Winter Break
Tutoring/Coaching Services
All peer tutor/coach & coaches will be able to assist you with the following:
- Peer Coaching/Mentoring
- Connect You To Campus Resources
- Registering for Classes
- Scholarship Assistance
- Computer Resources (including password retrieval, organizing email, general tech help, online forms and forms)
- Utilization of MyUH Services, STAR, Laulima
- Study Skills
- Note Taking & Organization
- Test Taking Strategies
- FAFSA Guidance
- Goal Setting
Fall 2022 Tutoring/Coaching Schedule
Staff Tutor/Coach
| Tutor | Availability | Subject(s) |
|---|---|---|
| Jan | Monday–Friday 9:00 am – 4:00 pm | ENGLISH BASIC MATH HDFS ALL COACHING SKILLS |
| Jen | Tuesday & Thursday 9:00 am – 4:00 pm | ANTH 200 ENGLISH Pre-College, 100, 209 FAMR 230 HLTH 123 HLTH 398C HIST 151, 152 ICS 101 MATH 75X, 103, 115, 134, 161 MICR 130 MUSIC 107, 253 PSY 100 SP151 ZOOL 240, 241 ALL COACHING SKILLS |
| Jolene | Monday–Friday 9:00 am – 4:00 pm | ENGLISH SP 151 WRITING BASIC MATH ALL COACHING SKILLS |
Peer Tutor/Coach
| Tutor | Availability | Subject(s) |
|---|---|---|
| Danthone | Monday, Wednesday 8:00AM – 2:00PM | ANTH 151 ASTRO 110 CHEM 161L, 162 EE 160 (Intro to C coding) ENGLISH 100, 257A HIST 151, 152 HWST 107 IS103 MATH 75x, 24, 25, 103, 241, 242, 243, 244, 302 PHYS 170, 170L, 272, 272L SOC 100 SP 251 MICR 130 OCN 201 ALL COACHING SKILLS |
| Jing | Monday 8:30AM – 11:00AM 1:00PM – 4:30PM Wednesday 8:30AM – 11:00AM | ESL 13, 14, 23, 24 KLS 195 MATH 75X ALL COACHING SKILLS |
| Karen | Wednesday, Friday 10:00AM – 4:30PM | ART 101 ECON 120 ENGLISH 100 FAMR 100, 133, 141, 296 HDFS 334,340, 341, 350, 360, 380, 380L HSER 100,140, 245, 248, 268, 270, 294, 295 HIST 151, 152 IP 364 IS103 KLS 195 KRS 395 OCN 201 SP 151 SPED 304 SW 200 ALL COACHING SKILLS |
| Kayla | Monday 9:00AM – 4:30PM Tuesday 9:00AM – 2:00PM | ACC 201,202 ANTH 151, ANTH 152 BIOL 100 BUSA 120, 300, 320, 321, 324, 345, 386 ECON 130, 131 ENGLISH 100, 200 GEOG 101, 101L HOST 304, 306, 313 HWST 107 ICS 101 MATH 75x, 24, 25, 103L, 103M MGT 301, 310 SP 151 ALL COACHING SKILLS |
| Davis | Thursday 8:00AM – 10:00AM 12:00PM – 4:30PM | ENGLISH 100, 209 HWST 107 IS 100, 103 MATH 24/25 SP 151 ALL COACHING SKILLS |
| Akamu | Monday, Tuesday 9:00AM – 4:00PM | ALL COACHING SKILLS |
Availability: Schedules vary for each tutor, please stop by the TRIO-SSS office to view tutoring schedules and/or make an appointment. If there is a particular subject that you need tutoring in that we currently do not offer, you can fill out a tutor request form, and we will do our best to provide you with a tutor who specializes in your particular subject.
Meet our Peer Tutors & Coaches
Danthone Buyacao
Aloha, my name is Danthone (Dan-ten) Buyacao. I was born in the Philippines, but I grew up in Kalihi since I was eight years old. Although, I can still speak Ilocano and Tagalog fluently. I graduated from Farrington High school and am currently majoring in Civil Engineering in the UH system. I love the beach, long drives, video games, and spending time with my friends.
Akamu Campbell
Aloha mai kākou, my name is Akamu Campbell, and I’m honored to represent the TRIO-SSS program as your Peer Coach. I’m a non-traditional student at Honolulu CC pursuing an associate degree in Fire and Emergency Response. My long-term goal is to transfer out to UH West to pursue a BBA degree in Public Administration once I’ve obtained my AA. I enjoy making connections with new faces and helping them along their path to success. My hobbies include hiking, bowling, fishing, and countless Kani ka pila! I hope to provide the support and reassurance you may need to get you far in life. “If you want to go fast, go alone. But if you want to go far, go together.” I look forward to assisting you all and moving forward in our journey. Mālama.
Karen Jones
Aloha, everyone. My name is Karen Jones, and I am a Peer Tutor/Coach for the TRIO-SSS program. I am a nontraditional student and recently earned my Certificate of Completion in COSAC Substance Abuse Counseling and Certificate of Completion in Human Services. Currently, I am enrolled at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, working toward my bachelor’s degree. The programs here at HCC are fantastic! I started using the services from the TRIO program as soon as I found out about it. I don’t think I would have been able to make it to college without this program. I started here at TRIO-SSS as a student office assistant, then Peer Coach, and worked my way up to a Peer Tutor/Coach. I encourage you all to utilize the services TRIO has to offer. The staff of TRIO, along with myself, are here to help you with your educational journey. I look forward to meeting you all and will do my best to help you in your academic endeavors.
Kayla Tanaka
Aloha everyone, my name is Kayla Tanaka, and I am a Peer Coach/Tutor for the TRIO-SSS Program. I am currently attending UH West Oahu and pursuing my bachelor’s degree in business with a concentration in Hospitality and Tourism. I previously worked at the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center and now work at the Bishop Museum. I love meeting new people and interacting with others. In my free time I like to go fishing, diving, and volunteer for boy scouts. I also love all things Disney! I’m very outgoing and friendly so don’t be afraid to reach out. I look forward to meeting you all and helping you guys with your academic journey.
Davis Martin
Aloha, my name is Davis. I’m a nontraditional student at Honolulu CC pursuing an associate degree in Liberal Arts. My long-term goal is to transfer to UH Manoa and achieve a BBA degree in Entrepreneurship and a BSW in Social Work. I am originally from the Big Island but became an Oʻahu resident in 2014. During free time, I enjoy hiking, swimming, and taking trips back home to visit family and friends. As a proud member of TRIO-SSS, I hope to provide academic support to fellow students through our program and make a positive impact here at HCC.
Jing Liu
Ni Hao! My name is Jing Liu. I am from China, so I speak fluent Mandarin and Cantonese. I am so fortunate to be able to participate TRIO-SSS program. It had provided me tremendous help. It just like a bright light from the dark brighten up my path all the way. I am a student at Honolulu Community College (HonCC) and my major is Human service, I am motivated individual, I like share new things with others, yoga is my favorite sport, I have been doing yoga since 2012. I am so glad to join the TRIO-SSS family. Here, I believe I can thrive, and I can help more people like me to thrive. Hope to see all of you soon.
As an TRIO-SSS/HonCC student, you are very fortunate to be part of a higher education institution promoting academic success. What makes it even more special is that Hawai‘i in itself is a very culturally diverse State with lots of history, culture and language. Because of our diverse environment, the TRIO-SSS offers educational and cultural opportunities to our eligible participants. All Cultural and Educational Events are FREE to all active eligible TRIO-SSS students. If you are interested in attending any one of these events, please come in and sign up. All events are on a first-come first-served basis.
Financial Literacy Workshops
Scholarships: Finding Free Money for College (Sallie Mae)
Wednesday, September 7, 2022 (10:00am-11:00am)
Wednesday, November 30, 2022 (11:00am-12:00pm)
FAFSA Preparation for 2023-2024 School Year
Wednesday, September 28, 2022 (2:00pm-3:00pm)
FAFSA Week
October 3rd through 7th (2:00pm-4:00pm)
Drop In or Zoom Appointment
View flyer for more information
Banking 101 (Sallie Mae)
Wednesday, October 19, 2022 (11:00am-12:00pm)
How to Apply for Native Hawaiian Scholarships
Wednesday, October 19, 2022 (12:00pm-1:00pm
Identity Theft & How to Avoid It (Sallie Mae)
Thursday, November 10, 2022 (12:00pm-1:00pm)
How to Write a Personal Statement for Scholarship
Tuesday, November 15, 2022 (12:30pm-1:30pm)
To access any of these workshops, view IKEA Workshop Series
Federal Student Aid
- How to Prepare for College
- What Types of Aid Can I Get?
- Do I Qualify for Aid?
- How Do I Apply for Aid?
- How do I Manage My Loans?
Scholarships
- University of Hawaii – Scholarship Opportunities
- U.S. Department of Labor’s Scholarship Search
- Hawaii Community Foundation
- Kamehameha Schools Financial Aid & Scholarship Services
- Pauahi Foundation Scholarship Program
- Gates Millennium Scholars Program
- Alu Like – Hana Lima Scholarship Program
- College Board Scholarships
- Fastweb Scholarships
- Sallie Mae Scholarships
Other Financial Literacy Links
- Don’t Get Scammed on Your Way to College
- Federal Student Aid Identity Theft
- Money Management Checklist for College Students
- Federal Student Loans (Be a Responsible Borrower: Plan Ahead and Graduate With Less Debt
- Tips for Planning and How to Pay for College
- College Planning Calculator
- Learn About Workstudy
The TRIO-SSS program offers a FREE Student Success course, Interdisciplinary Studies 103 (IS103), to accepted participants,
The design of this course is to provide information and techniques to develop self-determination, self-efficacy, and self-advocacy. Students will be better equipped with the necessary skills to navigate their academic, career, and life journey. Students will become knowledgeable of the various academic and student support resources that will help them to matriculate through college successfully.
Student Learning Outcomes
Students who complete this course will be able to:
- Use the concepts of accepting personal responsibility and interdependent behaviors to achieve academic and personal goals.
- Use college resources and policies to determine and implement academic decisions.
- Incorporate awareness of diversity and cultural differences to participate fully in college and community.
- Identify their learning styles.
- Identify their unique personality strengths and challenges.
- Identify and create 2-3 general goals (goal setting)
- Demonstrate the ability to identify personal triggers that may hinder one’s desired outcome.
- Identify and utilize self-motivation techniques (positive mindset)
- Understand the importance of networking in class, campus community, and workplace.
- Learn and apply various study and life skills strategies.
- Learn and develop career readiness and career confidence.
- Learn and improve critical thinking skills.
Course Activities
Course activities include but are not limited to the following:
- Students will complete a Learning Styles Inventory.
- Students will complete career assessment inventories, resume and cover letters, and job placements.
- Students will identify their own behaviors, thinking patterns, attitudes, and feelings related to self-awareness and critical thinking.
- Students will learn the importance of goal-setting models and motivational strategies that assist in the creation of short and long-term goals.
- Students will learn various strategies: communication, mindset, self-advocacy, financial literacy, communication, etc…
- Students will participate in various team activities and develop networking skills.
TRiO-SSS Related
To ensure student success, we are happy to provide our students with as much resources as needed to meet their academic, personnel, career, and overall goals. Our inventory of resources is exclusive to our eligible participants.
Active TRIO Participant Forms
New Educational Plan (PDF)
Mid-Semester Review Educational Plan (PDF)
End-Semester Review Educational Plan (PDF)
Learning Style Inventory
This online guide is designed to help you become a more successful student. It includes a Learning Style Survey that will help you identify your learning style. It also includes learning strategies that will help you study in a productive manner, one that matches your unique learning style.
Resource Library
Our resource library includes various types of media (DVD’s, Computer Programs, Books) related to self help skills (mentoring, building self confidence), careers related to various majors, resume writing, interview, cover letter guides, and employment search. Our library also has tutorial media in various subjects (Computer, Typing, Math, English, English as a Second Language, essay writing). In addition, we offer resources related to assisting students with financial aid, scholarship search, information regarding transfer and 4-year colleges/universities, and documentaries related to subjects offered here at HonCC. To view our entire inventory, stop by our office and we will be more than happy to review it with you.
How Do I Know I’m Eligible?
Honolulu Community College (HonCC) must be your home campus and be working towards earning a certificate or degree. Applicants must be currently enrolled or accepted for enrollment at HonCC; be a U.S. citizen or National of the United States or meet the requirements for federal student financial assistance; demonstrate academic need; and have at least ONE of the following apply to you:
- You are a first-generation college student (neither parent nor guardian has a bachelor’s degree).
- You are in financial need (“low-income” according to federal guidelines).
- You have a documented disability.
You Are Not Eligible If:
Due to the specific federal granting guidelines, you are not eligible for our program if:
- You do not meet at least ONE of the eligibility requirements mentioned in the “how do I know if I am eligible” question.
- HonCC is not your home campus
- Not working towards earning a certificate or degree
- If you are part of another TRIO-SSS program within the same fiscal year
- If you already have an associate’s degree or higher (bachelors, masters, professional)
I Submitted A Program Application. When Can I Expect A Reply?
We will contact you via your email and phone number you provided within one week of your submission. Please note that if there is an influx
Is There A Limit On The Number Of Students Accepted Into The Program?
TRIO-SSS enrollment is limited to only 160 students. Therefore, we encourage you to apply as soon as possible. Once we reach the capacity of 160 students, additional accepted students will be placed on a waitlist until a seat opens.
If I Have Been Accepted Into The Program, Do I Need To Reapply Each Year?
If you have been accepted into our TRIO-SSS Program here at HonCC, you do not need to reapply each year. We encourage our participants to take an active role in the Program each year – please refer to ‘What are the Program Requirements’ Frequently Asked Questions to learn more about how to stay active in the program.
What Are The Program Requirements?
Once a participant is enrolled in the program, a TRIO-SSS staff member will work with you to develop your educational plan. Each participant is expected to take an active role in the TRIO-SSS Program. In order to be considered for TRIO-SSS services (free tutoring, cultural enrichment activities, etc.), you must maintain your active status. To be considered an active participant in the SSS Program, you must:
- Be admitted to the program.
- Complete an Educational Plan every semester
- Sign a Program Participation Agreement.
- Meet regularly with the TRIO-SSS Staff to develop and maintain your Educational Plan (beginning, mid-semester review, and end of the semester review)
- Complete the Financial Literacy component.
- Complete a program evaluation at the end of each semester of service.
What Services Do You Provide?
All services are provided at no cost to the participants.
Academic Support
- Academic Advising
- Peer and Staff Tutoring
- Priority Class Registration
- 4-Year College Transfer Advising
- Personal Support
Enrichment & Personal Development
- Peer Coaching
- Career Guidance
- College Success Workshops
- Cultural/Educational/Service-Learning Enrichment Activities
- Leadership Opportunities
Educational Resources
- Computer & Printing Access
- Copy/Local Fax Access
- Financial Aid & Scholarship Search Assistance
- Financial Literacy Information
- Library Resources (tutorial DVD, textbooks, voice recorder, headphones, camera)
Get in Touch
Trio Support Student Services (Trio-SSS)
Building 7, Room 309
Phone: (808) 844-2366
Hours: M–F, 8:00 am–4:30 pm
Virtual appointments available
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Congratulations to our Fall 2021 Dean’s List Recipients
- Elizabeth B.
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- Ming L.
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