Starting Point
Funded by the federal government, TRIO Starting Point (Student Support Services) provides support, services and resources to help students succeed in college and graduate or transfer.
We Want You to Join!
- Apply Now. Complete the online application and provide any required documentation. Students are accepted into the program on a first-come, first-serve basis. See our Eligibility Requirements below for information about required documentation.
- Complete the Starting Point orientation. Find out about program services and requirements in one short online session. Once this is complete, you will be contacted to make an appointment with your new TRIO Starting Point advisor.
- Meet with your assigned TRIO Starting Point advisor. Talk with your new advisor about your goals, questions & needs and discuss how we can help you do your best.
- Take advantage of our services and activities. They are here for you!
Eligibility Requirements
To apply, you must:
- Be currently accepted or enrolled at Minneapolis College
- Plan to graduate from Minneapolis College and/or transfer to earn a bachelor’s degree
- Be a U.S. citizen or legal resident
To qualify, you must demonstrate an academic need and have one of the following requirements:
- Low-income individual (see details below)
- First Generation college student (neither parent has a bachelor’s degree)
- Have a disability
You are ineligible for the program if you are:
- Close to graduating and/or transferring
- Applying soon or in the nursing program
- Have a previous degree
Family Income Levels
Federal TRIO Programs
Current-Year Low-Income Levels
(Effective January 19, 2023 until further notice)
Size of Family Unit | Income in lower 48 States* | Alaska Income | Hawaii Income
- 1 | \$21,870 | \$27,315 | \$25,155
- 2 | \$29,580 | \$36,960 | \$34,020
- 3 | \$37,290 | \$46,605 | \$42,885
- 4 | \$45,000 | \$56,250 | \$51,750
- 5 | \$52,710 | \$65,895 | \$60,615
- 6 | \$60,420 | \$75,540 | $69,480
- 7 | \$68,130 | \$85,185 | \$78,345
- 8 | \$75,840 | \$94,830 | \$87,210
For family units with more than eight members, add the following amount for each additional family member: \$7,710 for the 48 contiguous states, the District of Columbia and outlying jurisdictions; \$9,645 for Alaska; and \$8,865 for Hawaii.
*Plus D. C. and outlying jurisdictions
Services to Students
The following services are available and FREE to all TRIO Starting Point students:
Advising:
- Advice and assistance in course enrollment, selection and planning
- Transfer planning & application assistance
- Advocacy with faculty and staff
- Transfer college campus visits
- Assistance in completing applications and reviewing financial aid
- Financial wellness education
- Scholarship searches and application assistance
- Career exploration and planning
- Goal setting assistance
Academic Support & Professional Tutoring:
- Professional tutoring
- Study skill development
- Educational workshops
- FYST 1000: Orientation to Higher Education course
- Academic resource lending program (laptops, SmartPens, digital recorders)
Leadership & Cultural Opportunities:
- Leadership opportunities
- Cultural & social events
- Student conferences
- Peer mentoring
For information about any services, please contact your Starting Point advisor.
Contact Us
Office: T.2500
Email: triostartingpoint@minneapolis.edu
Call: 612-659-6591
Staff:
- Coral Jentz-Fofanah, Tutor, 612-659-6591
- Julie Vang, Administrative Assistant, 612-659-6563
- Kate Germ, Program Advisor, 612-200-5456
- Kris Leveille, Director, 612-659-6561
- LaJune Cain, Program Advisor, 612-659-6314
- Mary Kokernot, Tutor, 612-659-6591
- Mary Jo Dahl, Assistant Director, 612-659-6541
- Max Hollenback, Program Advisor, 612-659-6564
- Nelah Anand, Academic Coordinator, 612-659-6567
- Saul Korzenecki, Tutor, 612-659-6591
- Sharon Margalli, Program Advisor, 612-659-6566