A group of WSC students in the TRIO program

TRIO Student Support Services

TRIO Student Support Services is a student success program for first-generation college students, students from income eligible families, and/or students with disabilities.

What is TRIO?

TRIO provides a combination of academic and personal support services that match the individual needs of each student to increase learning, retention, and graduation rates. These services help students understand and adjust to the academic expectations and requirements of college-level learning.

Academic support services include:

  • Academic tutoring and coaching
  • Priority (first day) course registration and selection assistance
  • Development of learning strategies, study skills, and time management skills for college
  • Professional writing assistance
  • Career preparation and/or graduate school assistance
  • Cultural and educational trips and programs

Each TRIO student is assigned to a professional advisor, and together they create a success plan that includes the student’s life goals, services needed, campus resources, and periodic meetings to monitor progress. TRIO students are expected to demonstrate a serious commitment to their education through excellent class attendance, 20-30 study hours per week, frequent use of TRIO and campus resources, and regular contact with their TRIO advisor.

Program eligibility

  • You may be eligible to participate in the TRIO Student Support Services program if you meet the following criteria:

    • You are a legal resident of the United States
    • You have been accepted for admission to Wayne State College
    • You are enrolled or planning to enroll full-time
    • You show a need for academic support
    • You plan to pursue a program leading to a bachelor’s degree at WSC

    And you meet at least one of the following three criteria:

    1. You are a member of a family who meets the income criteria as established by the U.S. Department of Education
    2. You are a first-generation college student (meaning neither parent or guardians have obtained a four-year college degree)
    3. You have a documented disability

  • You can apply to TRIO after you've been accepted to Wayne State College. To apply for TRIO, please complete the TRIO application and provide supporting information, if required.

    Download the 2025-26 Application

    Completed applications can be emailed to [email protected] or mailed to:

    Wayne State College
    TRIO Student Support Services
    1111 Main St.
    Wayne, NE 68787

For more information, contact:

TRIO Student Support Services
Student Center, Room 154
402-375-7500
[email protected]

TRIO staff

TRIO support

Helping you succeed

Freshman Experience

TRIO Freshman Experience is a 1-credit hour course with sections for TRIO freshmen only, taught by TRIO professional staff. The course is a semester-long orientation to college and covers topics such as academic expectations, learning strategies, TRIO and campus services and resources, financial literacy, campus involvement, and career planning.

TRIO Bridge

TRO Bridge is an optional five-day program in which new TRIO students move on campus the week before other freshmen and learn about college life, college expectations, and services at Wayne State. Housing and meals are provided. TRIO Bridge simulates an average week at WSC and provides an extensive orientation to TRIO staff and services, campus procedures, and social activities that help students get to know TRIO Peer Mentors and other new TRIO students. TRIO Bridge is a great way to get acclimated to Wayne State.

TRIO Peer Mentors

Peer mentors are WSC students who are active in the TRIO Student Support Services program. They are sophomores, juniors, and seniors who applied for the peer mentor position and were selected by TRIO staff. Peer mentors are students who have successfully balanced their academic and social lives and are willing to share their experiences with new students. Peer mentor positions are an honor for our students to hold and have specific guidelines to be eligible. All TRIO peer mentors are trained and certified to assist students.

Peer mentor duties include:

  • Hosting study tables (similar to a study hall in high school)
  • Encourage students to attend TRIO events and campus events
  • Be a confidant, encourager, and a positive example for students
     

TRIO Peer Tutors

Need help with your classes? Peer tutoring can help you gain confidence in your test-taking abilities by reinforcing the important points of reading course material. Discussing difficult material with a tutor can make the entire course more understandable. The two of you can cover problem areas or review for exams. You can work on learning skills that will make it possible for you to succeed in all your college classes.

TRIO Student Support Services peer tutors are trained, experienced upperclassmen who have figured out how and what to study. Peer tutors can offer advice to you in academic subject areas, as well as assist with: adjusting to college life, getting organized, having effective listening skills, improving reading and writing skills, and navigating different teaching styles.

TRIO Student Support Services provides many opportunities for students to be recognized for their academic achievements and involvement at Wayne State College.

TRIO Freshman Convocation Ceremony

All first-year students in TRIO are invited to attend our annual freshmen convocation in January. This recognition ceremony provides an opportunity to celebrate the academic accomplishments of freshmen participants during the fall term. Students earning a GPA of 3.0 or higher are awarded TRIO Student Support Services Freshmen Honor Roll certificates. Students who have earned a GPA of 2.5 - 2.99 receive Honorable Mention certificates. Members of the Theta Eta Sigma (TES) National Honor Society conduct the honor ceremony.

Theta Eta Sigma TRIO Scholars Honor Society 

The Theta Eta Sigma (TES) TRIO Scholars Honor Society was established for Wayne State College students participating in the TRIO Student Support Services Program. Its purpose is to recognize academic excellence, to promote continued academic achievement, and to provide service to our campus and community.  

Membership is open to active TRIO students who are of junior standing Students must have a cumulative GPA of 3.25 and cannot drop below a 3.0 GPA for two consecutive semesters. The goal is to induct new members during the spring semester. New inductees will be presented with honor cords and a pin.

Celebrating Graduates

TRIO Student Support Services recognizes TRIO students who graduate from Wayne State College by providing stoles for graduates to wear at commencement. A frameable certificate is also given to each graduate to honor their academic accomplishment.

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TRIO Student Support Services played an important role in supporting me throughout my college career. My TRIO advisor helped me tremendously by listening to my concerns, inviting me to partake in new opportunities, and providing advice about class schedules, semester after semester. TRIO has given me great opportunities to connect with and support other TRIO members through events and socials. The heart of TRIO, though, is in its concerned and caring professional staff members, who take it upon themselves to support student learning tactfully.

Corey Frewing '20

Norfolk, Neb.

B.S. Geography with minors in Geospatial Technology and Emergency Management

 
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WSC alum, Corey Frewing
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TRIO Student Support Services played an important role in supporting me throughout my college career. My TRIO advisor helped me tremendously by listening to my concerns, inviting me to partake in new opportunities, and providing advice about class schedules, semester after semester. TRIO has given me great opportunities to connect with and support other TRIO members through events and socials. The heart of TRIO, though, is in its concerned and caring professional staff members, who take it upon themselves to support student learning tactfully.

quote marks
WSC alum, Corey Frewing

Corey Frewing '20

Norfolk, Neb.

B.S. Geography with minors in Geospatial Technology and Emergency Management