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Application Status: (2025 - 2026) ~ Open

Open Enrollment (spaces are limited, applications sent after will be added to our waitlist)

Important Note: Applications are still currently being accepted but due to the volume of students applying, will be added to our wait list, and will be added to the program when available spots open.

Before You Start the Application

To apply to the program, please check the Eligibility Requirements and see if you’re eligible. If you are, please read through the application process and follow the steps. If you have any questions, refer to the FAQ located on this page, or contact us. Our program’s information will be located on the Contact Us page.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for TRIO (SSS/ASPIRE) Program services, federal guidelines dictate that students must meet at least one of the following requirements:

  • Be a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident and
  • Non EOP participant and
  • One or more of the following:
    • First-generation college student (neither parent nor legal guardian has earned a bachelor's degree) and/or
    • Low-income (determined by the Federal TRIO Low Income Levels) and/or
    • Have a documented disability (To document your disability with the university, please contact the AEC)

Application Process

  1. Write an Essay for Your Application
    Essay Requirements:

    • 2 pages
    • Double-spaced
    • 12-font
    • Essay format
    • Answers the following questions:
      • What are your academic goals, and how will SSS TRIO help you accomplish them?
      • What is your biggest academic need at the moment?
      • Please share anything else about yourself to help us get to know you

  2. Attach a Clear Photo of Yourself

  3. Once you have competed your essay and gotten your photo, please fill out the SSS TRIO Application linked below.
    You will attach both to the application when prompted. 

                                 APPLY HERE

What to Expect After Applying

Typically, once submitting an application, expect to receive your response to your submission from us from between 3 or 4 weeks on average. However, this depends on when the application was submitted.

  • Applications are reviewed in batches, and those received by the priority deadline are in the first review batch.
  • Applications received after the priority deadline are reviewed in a weekly batch until the program is full.
  • Applications that arrive after the program is full will be placed on a waitlist until space becomes available. Pending applications are kept in a secure file for one calendar year.
  • Students who miss the priority deadline are encouraged to inquire if space is still available before submitting an application.

Please note - The program is often full after the first review batch. To increase your chances of admittance, apply before the calendar date.

About “TRIO Day” Orientation

Newly Admitted Students must attend TRIO SSS Welcome Days, when they can gain insight into campus resources and build community. Those in attendance will:

  • Connect and network with fellow TRIO peers, faculty, and staff
  • Make new friendships and connections with your peers before the start of the academic year
  • Gain valuable knowledge and resources on campus 
  • Build community while doing fun activities 

Application FAQs

What are the benefits of being in TRIO(SSS)?

TRIO(SSS) is a small program that works with a modest cohort of 260 students a year. Our staff is centered on creating a “family-like” community for students and offer to meet with students more time to address the various needs of students. Here is a list of just some of the things we offer:

• Individual Academic Advising
• Computer Lab (FREE Printing)
• Cultural/Special Events (plays, operas, & more)
• Graduate School Trips
• Fall/Spring Picnics
• Informational Workshop
• Special graduation commencement
• TRIO(SSS) grant (Freshmen & Sophomores), Transfer students do now qualify 

How do I contact TRIO (SSS)?

For first time applicants, please email or call us:
    aspire-program@sjsu.edu
You may also call our office:
    408-924-2540.
For our location, that will be on our Contact Us page.

What are the low income requirements?

We look to a number of household and taxable income levels as determined by the U.S. Department of Education. A summary of current levels can be found here. We look to a number of household and taxable income levels as determined by the U.S. Department of Education. A summary of current levels can be found here.

Can I be in EOP and TRIO(SSS)?

No, you cannot be in both in EOP and TRIO (SSS). This is because both programs serve a similar population, thus students would be receiving many of the same services. This in turn makes services unavailable for students who would be eligible for either program but did not get accepted due to participation capacity.

What is the difference between EOP and TRIO(SSS)?

There are several differences between the EOP and TRIO(SSS) programs:

Program Hierarchy:
• EOP is a state-funded program
• TRIO (SSS) is a federally funded program.

Program Size:
• EOP can serve around 2000 students
• TRIO (SSS) can serve around 258 students

Application Requirements:
• EOP requires students to apply before attending SJSU. 
• TRIO (SSS) is open to current and incoming SJSU students who meet the previously mentioned eligibility criteria, (first-generation, and/or low-income, and/or documented disability).