TRIO Disabilities Program

Four students smiling and posing with a TRIO program poster outside a building outside a campus fair setting?

Program Overview

The TRIO Student Support Services Disabilities Program (SSSD) at Georgia Southern University is a federally funded program designed to increase the retention, persistence, academic success, and graduation rates of students with documented disabilities. The program provides individualized support services, academic resources, and personal development opportunities that empower students to achieve their educational goals and successfully complete their degree programs.

Our mission is to create an inclusive and supportive environment where students can develop the skills, confidence, and resources needed to thrive academically, personally, and professionally.

Who We Serve

General Availability

• Have a documented disability
• Demonstrate academic need
• Meet federal TRIO eligibility requirements

Priority Consideration

• Students with disabilities
• First-generation college students (neither parent has earned a bachelor’s degree)
• Students who meet federal low-income guidelines

Program Services

• Academic coaching
• Study skills development
• Time management strategies
• Academic success workshops
• Tutoring referrals

• Goal setting and success planning
• Leadership development opportunities
• Career exploration and preparation
• Graduate school preparation

• Budgeting workshops
• Financial aid guidance
• Scholarship resource information
• Financial wellness education

• Referrals to campus support services
• Accessibility resources
• Student engagement opportunities
• Mentoring and support networks

How to Apply

Interested students should complete the TRIO Student Support Services Disabilities Program application.

Benefits of Participation

  • Personalized academic support
  • Dedicated program staff
  • Workshops and educational programming
  • Leadership and professional development opportunities
  • Resources designed to promote academic success and degree completion
First generation college student Sophia Lopez.

Refer a Student

Faculty, staff, advisors, and campus partners play a vital role in connecting students to resources that support their academic success. If you know a student who may benefit from the services offered through the TRIO Student Support Services Disabilities Program, we encourage you to submit a referral.

Students with documented disabilities who may need additional academic support, financial literacy resources, personal development opportunities, or assistance navigating campus resources are encouraged to apply.

Once a referral is submitted, a member of the TRIO SSSD team will contact the student to discuss program eligibility and available services.

Events & Workshops

Students are encouraged to regularly check this page for upcoming events and registration opportunities.

The TRIO SSSD Program offers workshops, activities, and events throughout the academic year designed to support student success. Topics may include:

• Study skills and academic success
• Financial literacy and money management
• Career readiness and professional development
• Graduate school preparation
• Leadership development
• Wellness and self-advocacy
• Campus engagement opportunities

Frequently Asked Questions

Eligible students must be enrolled at Georgia Southern University, have a documented disability, and meet program eligibility requirements.

No. TRIO Student Support Services Disabilities Program services are provided at no cost to eligible participants.

Students must provide documentation of a disability. Program staff can assist students in connecting with appropriate campus resources.

Students may apply online by completing the TRIO SSSD application.

Yes. Faculty, staff, advisors, and campus partners may submit referrals through the Refer a Student form.

Contact Us

Questions?

We are here to help. Contact our office to learn more about eligibility requirements and how TRIO SSSD can support your academic journey at Georgia Southern University.

TRIO Student Support Services Disabilities Program
Georgia Southern University

Jasmine B. Pendergraph, MBA
Project Director

Phone:912-478-3039
Email: jpendergraph@gerogiasouthern.edu ; sssd@georgiasouthern.edu

Office Location: Forest Drive Classroom Building

5539 Forest Drive, Suite 1300, Statesboro, GA 3045

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