TRIO Student Support Services Programs – Community College of Aurora

What Is TRIO?

TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) is a federally-funded program designed to support the successful completion of undergraduate studies for its eligible participants.

Students who participate in a TRIO SSS program are either first-generation college students (neither parent has a bachelor’s degree), students with disabilities, or income eligible (basically pell grant eligible).

At CCA we have TWO SSS programs, our traditional (working with 160 students) and an English as a Second Language (ESL- working with 140 students) program. The ESL program is one of only 16 programs of its kind across the United States!

A group of graduates in crimson caps and gowns, smiling and celebrating. They convey a sense of achievement and joy in an indoor setting.

Supporting First-Generation College Students

TRIO students achieve success through individualized and dedicated academic support services. Watch this video to learn more.

Former TRIO student and CCA graduate, Keyana Samuel, taking a moment to enjoy her success at CCA.

[The] TRIO program helped me every step of the way towards receiving my Associates degree.

Thanks to the TRIO program, I am transferring to a four-year university and looking to get my Bachelors degree.

I’m transferring to Metro State University. I hope to join their TRIO program as well to guide me towards achieving this goal.

Isrrael B.:
Associates of Arts

5x More

TRIO students are five times more likely to earn a degree within four years than any other CCA student.

CCA graduate, Amir Editone, celebrates his success at CCA’s 2022 Commencement Ceremony.

Apply to TRIO!

Are you a first-generation college student and are you looking for academic support help? Apply to the TRIO program today!

Apply to TRIO!

Participant Expectations

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First-Generation Celebration Conference

Participants attend the annual First Generation Celebration Conference in November scheduled around National First Gen Day. Along with the Division of Student Success, TRIO celebrates first-gen students and organizes workshops themed around college resources, career readiness, study skills, advocacy, transfer, and much more!

A TRIO Student Support Services advisor meets with a student across a desk in an office. The advisor smiles while listening as the student speaks. A whiteboard with event information, computer monitors, and monthly calendars are visible in the background.

FAFSA and Registration

Complete your FAFSA and Registration with TRIO staff. You will have a TRIO hold on your account so that you complete an advising session with your TRIO coach before registering for classes. We host FAFSA and Registration Labs once each fall and spring semesters.

A man and a woman wearing red shirts converse with each other, appearing engaged and friendly.

Advising/Coach Meetings

Complete at least three meetings with your TRIO coach each semester. These meetings are your chance to get advice on your academic journey or support in the classroom.

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Campus-Wide Events

TRIO participants complete at least two campus-wide activities each semester. These can be completed online or in person.

Two people wearing red shirts are sitting at a table, focused on their laptops, engaged in a task.

Study Skills/Student Wellness Workshops

TRIO students have exclusive access to participate in monthly study skills and student wellness workshops designed to focus on fostering academic success, career skills, financial literacy and overall student wellness.

TRIO SSS – Traditional Program

The SSS Traditional program can support first-generation, low-income, or students with disabilities who are English native speakers AND students who are English language learners. This program supports up to 160 students each year.

To qualify for this program, you must meet the following criteria:

Enrolled or accepted to enrollment at the Community College of Aurora
Must be a US Citizen or permanent resident
Have an academic need for our services
Be either a First-Generation College Student (neither parent earned a bachelor’s degree) OR
Be income eligible based on family taxable income OR
Have a documented disability

TRIO SSS – English as a Second Language Program

This program is still accepting applications for the 2025-26 academic year.

The SSS English as a Second Language program can support first-generation, low-income, or students with disabilities who are English language learners or English is not their native language. This program supports up to 140 students each year.

To qualify for this program, you must meet the following criteria:

Enrolled or accepted to enrollment at the Community College of Aurora
Must be a US Citizen or permanent resident
Have an academic need for our services
Be either a First-Generation College Student (neither parent earned a bachelor’s degree) OR
Be income eligible based on family taxable income OR
Have a documented disability
For the ESL program, students must also identify that English is not their first or primary language

Application Process

Submit your online application today.

• Once your application is completed it will be reviewed for eligibility. All students will be contacted about the results of their application.

• Eligible students will be contacted to schedule an intake interview which is necessary to complete the process.

• Students will be notified about the results of that interview within 2-3 business days.

Have questions about your eligibility before you apply? Visit or contact us to discuss your eligibility.

Contact Us

Community College of Aurora
16000 E Centretech Parkway
Aurora, CO 80011

Student Center Building, Suite S205

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 303-361-7370

Olga holds a B.A. in Psychology from Metropolitan State University of Denver and an MA in Educational Psychology from the University of Colorado Denver. With over 20 years of diverse experience in administrative and academic roles, Olga has supported students in academic planning, ESL tutoring, and career guidance. As a native Russian speaker, Olga understands language and cultural challenges and is passionate about creating an inclusive environment to help diverse students succeed in their educational journeys. Outside of CCA, she enjoys recording songs, working on her digital Etsy shop that combines her love for psychology and spirituality, as well as spending time with her family.
I am a first-generation college graduate with a BA from Regis University, and the daughter of loving parents who immigrated from Chihuahua, Mexico. My passion has always been in education from the first time I remember wrapping my hands around a book. These experiences have primarily led me down a path of both organizing and elementary education. I’ve worked with many organizations ranging from immigrant day-labor centers, farmworker rights groups, policy advocacy for an increase in the minimum wage, and most famously as a 2nd and 3rd grade teacher. I’m really looking forward to bringing all my experience together to support students at CCA in all the ways possible!
Lily is originally from Minnesota and moved to Colorado in Fall of 2021. They graduated from Normandale Community College with an Associates of Arts in Liberal Education in 2016 and transferred to the University of Wisconsin-River Falls, where they earned their Bachelor of Science in Psychology in 2018. TRIO has been part of their professional life since 2020; from a Japanese Tutor for Upward Bound to an Admin Assistant and now Academic Coach—they fully enjoy engaging with students and supporting them in their pursuits. In their free time, they love playing video games, D&D, traveling and watching all of Mike Flanagan’s works on repeat.
Lorely (Lora-Lee) Sanchez was born and raised in Aurora, CO, to immigrant parents, and she takes great pride in her Mexican heritage. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Integrated Science and Spanish from the University of Denver and a Master of Arts in Higher Education from the University of Colorado Boulder. With a deep passion for supporting students, Lorely has dedicated her time as a higher education professional to help communities of color, low-income, and first-generation students thrive in colleges and universities. She approaches her work with care and compassion, using a holistic advising model that recognizes the diverse identities, goals, and commitments each student brings to their academic journey. In her free time, Lorely enjoys watching movies, traveling, spending quality time with family and friends, and playing with her black lab, Cody.
Born and raised in Aurora, Colorado, Addie is a first-generation college graduate from the University of Northern Colorado. As a former TRIO SSS student, Addie believes in holistic and individualized support and the importance of community. Outside of work, she likes to experience new things such as traveling, taking classes to learn a new instrument, and spending time with her dog Eddy.
Moises Segura joined the Colorado community college system in 2022 as a TRIO Student Support Specialist for the TRIO SSS program at the Community College of Denver. As a First-Generation Latino graduate, Moises has focused his time in higher education on supporting first-generation, low-income students on meeting their academic and career goals. Moises currently serves as the TRIO SSS ESL Lead Coach at CCA.

Outside of CCA, Moises serves as board member for the Puentes scholarship. The Puentes scholarship is designed to financially support DACA / Undocumented KIPP Colorado student to and through college. As a board member, Moises has also been a peer mentor to undergraduate students.

Moises holds a bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Colorado State University – Fort Collins.
Teresa is a graduate from Metropolitan State University of Denver with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a minor in Spanish. She has a love of working with youth and helping college students achieve their goals. She also enjoys helping empower students who come from diverse backgrounds while helping them find a community where they feel welcomed and understood. She previously worked at the Denver Scholarship Foundation as a Leadership Program Peer Advocate as well as an Orientation Leader at MSU Denver.

Community College of Aurora is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission

The Community College of Aurora is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). Learn more about CCA’s accreditations and professional licensure.

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