TRiO “TRACS” Program

​(Transfer, Retention, Achievement & College Success Program)

The TRiO TRACS (Transfer, Retention, Achievement & College Success) Program strives to provide eligible students with the academic assistance and support necessary to successfully complete their path. The goal of TRiO TRACS is to keep students on track and increase the number of students completing their associate degree, certificate and/or transfer to a 4-year university. Services are available at no cost to participants. The TRiO TRACS Program is a federally funded Student Support Services (SSS) program operating on an annual budget of approximately $262,000. Our grant allows us to serve 140 participants annually.

History of TRIO Programs:

The history of TRIO is progressive. It began with the Upward Bound Program, which emerged out of the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964 in response to the Johnson administration’s War on Poverty. In 1965, Educational Talent Search, the second outreach program, was created as part of the Higher Education Act. In 1968 Student Support Services was authorized by the Higher Education Amendments and became the third in a series of educational opportunity programs. By the late 1960’s, the term “TRIO” was coined to describe these three federal programs.

Over the years, the TRIO Programs have been expanded and improved to provide a wider range of services and to reach more students who need assistance. There are now eight different TRIO programs, many of which are off shoots of the original three. The name “TRIO” is still the used to describe these federal programs and services.

Services Provided:

Lassen College’s TRiO TRACS program offers assistance and encouragement to low-income, first-generation students, and/or students with disabilities. Our services include academic, personal, financial, and career support, along with added advocacy and educational planning for completing a certificate or degree, or for transferring to a 4-year university. TRiO TRACS also provides workshops on various topics, help with choosing classes, assistance with financial aid forms and scholarships, 4-year university tours, cultural fieldtrips and much more.

Program Eligibility:

You must meet the following minimum qualifications to join TRiO:

First Generation-
Neither parent has graduated from a 4-year university  OR

Income Qualified-
Determined from evaluating federal taxable income information OR

Documented Disability

AND

• Academic Need- Determined by a variety of academic criteria
• US Citizen – or eligible for federal student aid

TRiO serves both in-state and out-of-state residents.

Program Values:

• We are a strong safety net and support system for our students.
• We embrace integrity in our work with students, the college, and our funding agency.
• We are respectful of our diverse students, their needs, and their cultural heritage.
• We are resilient, determined, and focused on achieving our mission, which is helping our students achieve their educational goals.
• We realize that the success of each student is enhanced by collaboration and cooperation with our campus community.
• We are student-focused and joyful in our work.
• We are in awe of the potential our students have to change the world.