The mission of TRIO SSS is to create an inclusive community for students to activate success by working together toward excellence.
Being the first to do anything presents unique challenges—like being one of the 1.46 million undergrads nationwide who are first-generation students, meaning they will be the first in their family to earn a four-year college degree. Fortunately, being the first doesn’t mean you have to do it alone.
“SSS is my support system. I have met some of my closest friends through SSS and have participated in countless programs that have helped me throughout the years, from study abroad presentations to trips to musicals.”
–Fareedah Haroun (Environmental Science)
The Dietrich School’s Student Support Services (SSS) team has one purpose: helping first-generation and low-income students to make the most of their time at Pitt. SSS offers advising, skills- building workshops, leadership training, and academic tutoring as well as lots of fun social outings and activities. Being part of SSS is like having access to a one-stop resource extravaganza. Tutoring? Time management? Career counseling? Movie night? Yep. We’ve got that.
Services
Through a wide range of free services, SSS offers a creative, inspiring, supportive environment that promotes and celebrates your ongoing success. All SSS participants work individually with an SSS advisor to develop an academic plan that meets specific academic and career objectives. Our trained mentors guide you through the entire college process and work with other University offices to provide you with referrals to a wide range of campus resources and student organizations. In addition, we offer individual advising, personal coaching, study skills sessions, and tutoring on a multitude of subjects from statistics to organic chemistry.
View the services available through SSS.
Events
At SSS, we understand that the college experience is much more than what transpires within the confines of the classroom. We know how important it is for you to balance academics with the social aspects of college life. To connect with other Pitt students, SSS offers movie and game nights, cultural events in and around Pittsburgh, and a destination trip where you experience live theater, museums, fine restaurants, and a guided tour of the city.
About TRIO SSS Programs
Funded by the U.S. Department of Education, SSS has been at the University of Pittsburgh since 1972 and is one of more than 900 TRIO SSS programs across the country. These programs provide academic, social, and cultural support to first generation (defined as parents or guardian not graduating from a four-year institution) and/or low-income college students. Housed in the Kenneth P. Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences, SSS is a program for all undergraduates, regardless of school or major. Learn more from the U.S. Department of Education’s official TRIO site.