Beaufort County Community College’s TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) program will continue to empower first-generation, low-income, and disabled students thanks to renewed funding from the U.S. Department of Education for the 2025–2030 grant cycle.
For more than 60 years, TRIO SSS has been a cornerstone of student success at colleges nationwide, offering free academic, financial, and personal support. At Beaufort CCC, students benefit from academic advising, tutoring, peer mentoring, study skills and career planning, college transfer assistance, and cultural enrichment and leadership opportunities.
Over the past year, TRIO scholars at Beaufort CCC have taken part in university visits to North Carolina State University, North Carolina A&T University, and Elizabeth City State University to help guide their transfer decisions. They also participated in career exploration events, leadership and cultural workshops, and financial literacy sessions. Staff members assisted students with completing scholarship and financial aid applications, helping reduce barriers to higher education.
Beyond academics, TRIO emphasizes community service. Students collected canned goods for Hunger Relief Day to attend the North Carolina State Fair and crafted Valentine’s Day cards for nursing home residents during the Wanda Hendricks Bellamy Student Leadership Conference. These activities encouraged teamwork, compassion, and a strong sense of purpose.
For more than 40 years, TRIO SSS has been part of Beaufort CCC’s commitment to student success. The renewed grant allows the program to continue serving 175 students each year, providing the resources they need to persist, graduate, and achieve their educational and career goals.
Vice President of Student Services Dr. LaTonya Nixon shared, “This funding reaffirms our commitment to equitable education and student achievement. For four decades, TRIO SSS has played a vital role in shaping the academic journey of students who often face unique barriers. We are honored to continue this legacy.”
TRIO programs across the country currently serve more than 800,000 students from middle school through graduate programs, offering tutoring, mentoring, counseling, and financial guidance designed to boost retention and graduation.
To learn more about Beaufort CCC’s TRIO SSS program, visit the TRIO webpage.