About Starting Point

Starting Point is a federally funded Student Support Services (SSS)/TRiO project sponsored by the U. S. Department of Education to improve student success in college. The SSS program is one of seven TRiO programs originally funded under the Higher Education Act of 1965 whose objective is to help students overcome class, social, and cultural barriers to complete their college education.

The Starting Point Program at Minneapolis Community and Technical College provides comprehensive support services to students who are low-income, first-generation college students, or who have a disability. Our program objectives are to increase the program participant's retention and graduation rates and their transfer rates to Bachelor's degree programs. Starting Point provides services to 225 students annually.

Vision

Starting Point will be a model of excellence in providing quality comprehensive services in a safe, supportive, and respectful atmosphere to ensure that underrepresented students have the opportunity to achieve their educational goals.

Mission

Starting Point is a Student Support Services(SSS)/TRiO project in an urban two-year institution of higher education whose purpose is to increase retention, transfer and graduation rates of low-income, first-generation students, and students with disabilities.

We accomplish this mission by:

Providing a comprehensive offering of advising, tutoring, and cultural opportunities
Respectfully serving a diverse, multicultural community
Respectfully serving individuals with different abilities, interests, and goals in a student-centered environment
Providing access to higher education opportunities through advocacy

We Value:

Creating a student-centered, respectful environment
Using multiple perspectives of our diverse population
Creating balance in mind, body, and spirit
Utilizing a teamwork approach
Cultivating collaborative relationships
Encouraging and supporting life-long learning