PROGRAM DIRECTOR'S MESSAGE

Dear student,

It is my pleasure to welcome you to the Student Support Services TRIO Program at Imperial Valley College.

The Student Support Services TRiO Program, also known as SSS, is one of three original Federal TRiO Programs (Upward Bound, Talent Search, and Student Support Services) which have been authorized by the U.S. Department of Education since 1968. This Federal TRiO Program has grown to eight distinct programs across the country, which all share a common goal: increasing the enrollment in and completion of college for students from low-income, first generation, and disability backgrounds. Since 1975, SSS at Imperial Valley College has demonstrated these exact goals. Our services are patterned after the best practices in student retention and success, and thus reflect this goal. The Program faculty/staff, most of whom share the same background as you – are committed to this common goal. Our goal is to increase the retention and graduates of traditionally-underrepresented students in higher education and this goal can only be realized with the participation and committment of various stakeholders, including:

*YOU, the community who supports educational equity for all students.

*YOU, the faculty who challenges students to think critically and envision new possibilities;

*YOU, the family who provides support and encouragement.

*Most importantly, YOU the student who aspires to the goal of earning a college degree and commits to transforming your goals and dream into reality.

With this in mind, I encourage you to come join our Student Suppport Services TRiO Program Family. We are not just your SSS Faculty/Staff, we are your TRiO community and your peers for support as you transform your dreams of achievement into reality. We look forward to you joining our SSS Family in the near future!

Respectfully,

Dolores Diaz-Cañez

Dolores Diaz-Cañez – Director

Student Support Services TRiO Program

Imperial Valley College