The TRIO Scholars Program at UCI – Student Success Initiatives – is a federally funded TRIO Program, awarded by the U.S Department of Education, that was established in 2015. Funded under Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965, Student Success Initiatives provides opportunities aimed at enhancing students’ academic development, assisting students with their academic progress, and motivating students towards the successful completion of their post-secondary education. TRIO Scholars at UCI (SSI) is funded at $220,000+ annually. Housed within Student Success Initiatives in the Division of Undergraduate Education, TRIO Scholars offers approximately 140 participants academic, social, personal, and career advising and support from orientation until graduation. Participation is based on eligibility requirements.

The TRIO Scholars Program is a Education Opportunity Program (EOP) certify since they meet the following criteria:

Provides assistance in support of employability by providing first generation college students and students from low-income households and educationally disadvantaged backgrounds with:

• Mentorship Opportunities
• Access to Academic Programs
• Financial Aid Assistance
• Counseling/Advising
• Post-Grad Exploration and Planning
• Other Campus Support Services & Referrals

The TRIO Scholars Program aims to support first generation, low income, and/or students with disabilities with personal, academic, financial, and career workshops. Each workshop is designed to support the persistence and retention of TRIO Students at the University of California, Irvine. In addition, the workshops also foster knowledge and promote skills that prepare students to be informed, thoughtful and productive individuals. Each student is required to attend three workshops per quarter of their choice to help achieve their personal, academic, financial, and career goals.  

All TRIO Scholars commit and complete a yearly contract. They must complete a total of nine workshops per academic year (Fall, Winter, and Spring) and three of those workshops must be from the career/employability preparation criteria below. Scholars will submit workshop their completion by the designed due date each quarter.