Pima Community College’s (PCC) Desert Vista Campus hosts the TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) STEM grant. This grant serves underserved populations, including first-generation, low-income students, and students with disabilities. Funded by the Department of Education, the SSS STEM grant helps PCC students complete their two-year degree or certificate, enter the workforce, or transfer to a four-year university.

Since 2015, our program has successfully met and exceeded the grant’s objectives for 120 students pursuing STEM or Health-Profession degrees each year. Our objectives for student success include Retention, Persistence, Academic Standing, Graduation, and Transfer. To secure funding for another five years, the grant must meet or exceed these objectives.

Our students shine alongside our grant objectives’ success. Several students have been featured on the front page of Pima Community College’s website, sharing their stories and successes. Here are some student testimonials about our program:

“Thanks for reaching out! As a first-generation college student, I couldn’t have done it without your help and guidance.”

“…grateful for the support of SSS advisers Gustavo Miranda and Don Harp. There were times when I felt lost and discouraged but knowing I was not alone, and I could go to them for support made a big difference for me.”

We support our students in various ways. We provide a dedicated study space for individual and group interaction, tutors, free printing, academic support in STEM and Health Profession fields, financial literacy, academic and career workshops, and cultural and college tours. Our staff offers these services to students who need extra support and to break down barriers.

Your contribution to our TRIO SSS STEM Donation Fund will greatly help and support the students we serve. We aim to use donations for student events, trips to academic and professional conferences, graduation ceremonies/awards, and supplies students need to succeed in their college courses.