They Served – SLCC Supports
As Salt Lake Community College (SLCC) prepares to honor our community members this Veterans Day, we are excited to unveil a new resource for veterans, active-duty military personnel, National Guard members, and reservists. The Veterans Student Support Services (VSSS) program is made possible by a $272,364 federal TRIO grant from the U.S. Department of Education.
The program aims to help student veterans at SLCC achieve their academic and career goals. It offers personalized support, including tutoring, one-on-one advising, career exploration, transfer preparation, campus tours of four-year universities, social and cultural activities, and research opportunities. "This is not just a program; TRIO is an advocate for the student. Our goal is to prepare them and support them. We go above and beyond to connect students with resources," says Babi Abdalla, TRIO Veterans Program Coordinator.
Abdalla says the program also provides tuition waivers and grant aid to students who lack full GI Bill coverage or other funding sources. "Our goal is to make sure student veterans are financially stable so they can move forward and graduate. We help them plan for financial aid every term, so they don't have to struggle, and we make sure they select the right classes so there is no duplicate work," he says.
Key support services include:
Eligibility Requirements: Students interested in joining the first cohort for the upcoming Spring semester should meet the following criteria:
TRIO programs have an impressive track record, with retention rates ranging from 79% to 99%. The VSSS program aims to provide comprehensive support, ensuring students have the resources they need for success.
One example mentioned by Abdalla is TRIO’s transfer support and undergraduate research initiatives, setting students up for success as they transition to a four-year institution. He says that if students have never engaged in research before, they may struggle in a bachelor’s program. TRIO assists veteran students in conducting research, mentoring them, and teaching them how to navigate and find resources. Additionally, they encourage and support students in presenting their research at national conferences, guiding them throughout the entire process.
Join TRIO for Veterans Day: TRIO invites the SLCC community to honor our veterans at the annual Veterans Day Flag Ceremony. Student veterans can visit the TRIO Veterans table to ask questions and learn about the application process.
Veterans Day Ceremony Details:
For more information and to apply, visit the SLCC TRIO website at slcc.edu/trio