TRIO Starting Point Program Application

Thank you for your interest in the TRIO Starting Point  program at Minneapolis College.

Please complete this application as thoroughly as possible. If you have any questions, please contact us at triostartingpoint@minneapolis.edu, call 612.659.6591 or stop by T.2500.

The TRIO Starting Point (Student Support Services) program is funded by the U.S. Department of Education.
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First Name *
Last Name *
Date of Birth *
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Please enter SSN or MC Tech ID *
Local Address *
Local City *
Local State *
Local Zip *
Cell Phone Number *
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Personal Email Address *
Gender *
Preferred Pronouns
Are you of Hispanic descent? *
Race: Please check all that apply, at least one must be selected:*
Race, American Indian or Alaskan Native *
Race, Asian *
Race, Black or African American *
Race, Hawaiian or other Native to Pacific Island *
Race, White *
What is your residency status in the US? *
What is the main language used at home? *
If other, please list your native language(s)
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TRIO SSS Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for TRIO SSS, students must meet one or more of the following:

  • Be a first-generation college student (neither parent or guardian has completed a four-year college degree)
  • Meet federal income eligibility guidelines
  • Have a documented disability

Also, every applicant must:

  • Be enrolled and pursuing a degree at Minneapolis College
  • Not have earned a previous degree, bachelor's or associate's
  • Be a U.S. Citizen or national of the United States or meets the residency requirements for Federal Student Financial Aid
  • Demonstrate need of academic support

First Generation Eligibility
Does either parent/guardian have a bachelor's (4-year) degree or higher?
Parent/Guardian 1 *
Parent/Guardian 2 *
Prior to the age of 18, did you regularly reside and receive support from only one parent who did not have a bachelor’s degree? *

Income Eligibility

In order to process your application for participation in the TRIO Starting Point program at Minneapolis College, we need the following information. All information provided in this statement will remain confidential and will be used only for determining eligibility per the federal Department of Education TRIO Student Support Services grant requirements.
Have you applied for financial aid (FAFSA) this academic year? *
Dependency Status

The following questions are to determine dependency status
1. I was born BEFORE Jan. 1, 2001?
2. I am married
3. I have dependents
4. I am serving or have served in the US Armed Forces
5. I am an orphan, or was a ward of the court, or was an emancipated minor, or was in foster care, or was in legal guardianship
6. I am homeless or at risk of becoming homeless
7. None of these

If you selected any response 1-6, please complete the next two questions.

 If you selected 7. None of these, you are considered a DEPENDENT STUDENT.  Your parent must complete the next two questions with their information and provide a signature at the end of the application or complete this Income Verification FORM. Your application will not be reviewed until this information is provided. 

What is your current family size?
2023 Taxable income (line 15 of IRS Form 1040)

Disability Eligibility

 A documented disability is a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities and can be verified with a formal document by a qualified professional (physician, educational counselor, psychologist, special education teacher, or rehabilitation counselor), such as a doctor’s report, diagnostic test, or other formal record of disability.
Do you have a documented disability? *
Are you currently working with the Accessibility Resource Center on campus?
If you are not currently connected with the Accessibility Resource Center, please send documentation to triostartingpoint@minneapolis.edu. Documentation can include IEP or letter or document from doctor, therapist or other professional.
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Academic Information
Did you receive a high school diploma or GED? *
Have you been out of school for more than 5 years? *
Have you earned a college degree? *
Have you attended any other Post-Secondary institutions? *
If yes, have you sent those transcripts to Minneapolis College?
Do you plan to complete a degree at Minneapolis College? *
Major
Do you plan to transfer to a 4-year college or university? *
If yes, which schools are you considering?
Have you participated in any of these federal TRIO programs? *
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Academic Need
Briefly explain your educational and career goals: *
List three things you are proud of having done: *
Why do you want to join TRIO Starting Point? *

Please choose services you think may help you complete your goals at Minneapolis College:
Academic advising or selecting courses
Transfer planning & admissions
Career planning
Assistance in applying for and understanding financial aid
Scholarship/College funding
Financial literacy
Tutoring/Academic coaching
Organization/Note taking/Study skills
Test taking/Test anxiety
Leadership Development
Cultural activities
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Understanding Program Services

The purpose of TRIO Starting Point/Student Support Services (SSS) is to increase college retention, graduation, and transfer rates, and to help our participants overcome the obstacles they face to succeed in college.

Program services:

  • Academic advising: advisors help with major & course planning as well as transfer & career planning
  • Academic tutoring: professional tutors are available in writing & math as well as general study skills, organization & time management
  • Financial aid & scholarship application assistance
  • Referrals to other resources

When we are unable to provide a specific service through TRIO Starting Point, we will refer you to another department.

Common referrals include:

  • Basic needs: Housing, transportation, food, child-care costs, health or other needs can be assisted through other offices on campus.
  • Accommodations: Provided by the Accessibility Resource Center, also located in T2500.
  • Tutoring for other subjects: The Academic Success Center offers a wide variety of tutoring options for student.

Participant Expectations

If accepted into the TRIO Starting Point program, I agree to participate in a minimum of 3 program services per semester. This includes:

At least 2 meetings with your advisor:

  • Academic planning to register, update academic schedule or plan for future goals
  • Transfer planning, assistance in choosing and applying for admission to four-year schools
  • Financial aid advising and assistance in completing the FAFSA
  • Career exploration, planning & skill development
  • Personal support

 Choose from other TRIO Starting Point program services:

  • One-on-one tutoring
  •  Academic Coaching (Individualized study skills)
  •  College visits & transfer
  •  Workshops
  •  Financial and economic literacy
  •  Leadership or cultural events
I have read the above statements and agree to the requirements. I certify that the information I have provided on this application is, to the best of my knowledge, complete and correct. *

Data Privacy Agreement:

Minneapolis College is asking you to provide information that includes private and/or confidential information under state and federal law. Minneapolis College is asking for this information in order to process your application for Starting Point services. You are not legally required to provide the information Minneapolis College is requesting; however, Minneapolis College may not be able to process your application if you do not provide sufficient information. With some exceptions, unless you consent to further release of private information, access to this information will be limited to school officials who have legitimate educational interests in the information. Under certain circumstances, federal and state laws authorize release of private information without your consent: to federal, state or local officials for purposes of program compliance, audit or evaluation; as appropriate in connection with your application for, or receipt of, financial aid; to your parents, if your parents claim you as a dependent student for tax purposes; if the information is sought with a subpoena, court order, or otherwise permitted by other state or federal law. In addition, the TRIO Starting Point program may determine that it is necessary to collect information relevant to your participation in the program from outside sources and other college departments. The information collected will be used solely for the purpose of your participation in the TRIO Starting Point program. I release the staff of TRIO Starting Point and my instructors from all legal responsibility on liability that may arise from the actions I have authorized.
I have read the above statement and agree. *
Please provide Your E-Signature *
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Pleasre provide PARENT signature for dependent students
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