TRIO-Student Support Service (TRIO-SSS) strives to provide a range of academic support, career guidance, transfer planning, and professional development opportunities to qualifying community college students who are first-generation in college, have a financial need, and/or disability and demonstrate strong academic potential.
TRIO-SSS is designed to:
- Increase the retention and graduation rates of eligible students;
- Increase the transfer rates of eligible students from two-year to four-year institutions; and
- Foster an institutional climate supportive of the success of eligible participants.
This project is federally funded through a $274,137 annual grant from the U.S. Department of Education (2020-2025). For more information please contact our office.
Achieving through PRIDE (Perseverance, Respect, Integrity, Discipline, and Excellence).
TRIO-SSS strives to provide a wide range of support to qualifying participants. To qualify, the student must meet at least one of the following criteria: be a first-generation student (parent or legal guardian does not have a baccalaureate degree), or be low-income as defined by the federal government, or have a documented disability, and be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. Students accepted into the program will receive academic planning, career guidance, transfer assistance, financial literacy, professional development opportunities, guided individualized assessment and education planning, tutoring, mentoring, cultural and educational workshops, community service activities, and other academic support. For more information, visit the TRIO-SSS website or call 808-844-2366
Students who successfully complete the TRIO-SSS program will be able to:
- Set clear academic and career goals.
- Devise practical plans for achieving these goals.
- Apply acquired skills and strategies for college and career success.
- Reach significant academic milestones.
- Serve effectively as stewards and community leaders.
- Maintain ongoing personal and professional development.
- Inspire other TRIO-SSS students to succeed.
We believe:
- By providing our program participants early on with guided, individualized assessment, evaluation, and planning, they will be able to set clear, attainable goals as college students and future professionals in their fields.
- Peer and staff tutoring, mentoring, focused educational and cultural field trips, and other academic support opportunities will equip our students with the necessary tools, behaviors, and perspectives to stay on the path toward college success and graduation.
- Community service activities will develop well-rounded, socially-aware individuals experienced in team building, community stewardship, and leadership.
- By recognizing and celebrating the achievements of self and others, students will be encouraged toward continued growth and achievement, and inspire others that follow to do the same.
Program Information
The TRIO-SSS program is offering an opportunity to first-year, current, or persisting TRIO-SSS-eligible students to earn free credits for Math 75x & IS 103 (Student Success Course).
Program Timeline
Classes must be taken together and will be in-person
- Student Success Course (IS 103): May 22nd – May 26th ; M-F; 9:00 am-12:00 pm
- Math 75x: May 29th – August 4th ; M-F; 8:30 am-9:45 am/followed by
- Mandatory Study Hall/Tutoring: May 29th – August 4th ; M-F; 10:00 am-12:00 pm
Application Opens on Wednesday, February 1, 2023, at 12:00 am
Application Closes on Friday, April 21, 2023, at 4:00 pm
When filling out the online application, please be sure to fill it out entirely and upload all pertinent documents. Once we receive your application, we will contact you via your Honolulu CC email. If you have any questions regarding this opportunity, do not hesitate to get in touch with us via email at hontrio@hawaii.edu, call on our main line at 808-844-2366 or stop by our office during our hours of operation (Monday through Friday, 8:00 am – 4:30 pm, closed on weekends and holidays).
Summer Bridge 2023 Application
Note:
- If you are a NEW first-time college student to Honolulu CC for the Fall 2023 semester, you must also submit a Honolulu CC summer admissions application.
- If you are a continuing student at Honolulu CC, you do not have to submit a summer admissions application.
- All students accepted into the bridge program must register for Fall 2023 semester.
Requirements
- A student is eligible to apply for the TRIO-SSS if the student meets all of the following requirements:
- Is a citizen or national of the United States or meets the residency requirements to apply for Free Application for Free Student Aid (FAFSA).
- The residency requirement includes American Samoa, Guam, the Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Palau, and Northern Marianas Island students.
- Students who possess a Resident Alien Card.
- Honolulu Community College is their home campus, and they are working toward earning a Certificate or Associate’s degree and/or plan on transferring to a four-year college or university.
- Have not already earned an Associate’s degree or higher.
- Has a need for academic support.
- Meets one or more of the following criteria:
- First-generation college student (neither parent/guardian graduated from a 4-year college
- Low-income student (determined by the Federal Guidelines)
- A student with an appropriately documented disability
How to Apply
To see if you qualify for the TRIO-SSS program, please fill out the TRIO-SSS Program Application. Once we receive your application, you will meet with our professional staff to determine your eligibility, space availability, and our services.
Through faculty and staff referrals, each of our Peer tutors/coaches has been interviewed and selected by the TRIO-SSS professional staff. In addition, they have been trained and found competent to assist our program participants effectively.
The Tutoring/Coaching Program’s design is to guide and assist students with a particular subject or field of study, provide ongoing support, advice, and encouragement, and share experiences that will assist students in their overall development. This service represents an important form of instruction that impacts students who are not only struggling with the academic and personal demands of college but also encourages students to maintain and stay on top of the demands to ensure good academic standing.
Furthermore, one of our most significant goals is to help students become independent learners. Our Peer Tutors are not information or answer dispensers. Students must understand and be reminded that they are responsible for their learning. The student must attend classes regularly and do the assigned work, projects, and readings.
These services are available during the Fall, Spring, Winter, and Summer Sessions during TRIO-SSS regular hours of operation:
Monday through Friday (8:00 AM – 4:30 PM)
Closed on Weekends and Institutional Holidays
Tutoring/Coaching Services
All peer tutor/coach & coaches will be able to assist you with the following:
- Peer Coaching/Mentoring
- Connect You To Campus Resources
- Registering for Classes
- Scholarship Assistance
- Computer Resources (including password retrieval, organizing email, general tech help, online forms and forms)
- Utilization of MyUH Services, STAR, Laulima
- Study Skills
- Note Taking & Organization
- Test Taking Strategies
- FAFSA Guidance
- Goal Setting
Spring 2023 Tutoring/Coaching Schedule
Staff Tutor/Coach
Tutor | Availability | Subject(s) |
---|---|---|
Jan | Monday–Friday 9:00 am – 4:00 pm | ENGLISH BASIC MATH HDFS ALL COACHING SKILLS |
Jen | Tuesday & Thursday 9:00 am – 4:00 pm | ANTH 200 ENGLISH Pre-College, 100, 209 FAMR 230 HIST 151, 152 ICS 101 MATH 75X, 103, 115, 134, 161 MICR 130 MUSIC 107, 253 PSY 100 SP151 ALL COACHING SKILLS |
Jolene | Monday–Friday 9:00 am – 4:00 pm | ENGLISH/WRITING SP 151 BASIC MATH ALL COACHING SKILLS |
Peer Tutor/Coach
Tutor | Availability | Subject(s) |
---|---|---|
Danthone | Monday and Wednesday 11:00 AM – 4:30 PM Thursday 12:30 PM – 4:30PM | ANTH 151 ASTRO 110 CHEM 161L, 162 CIVIL/ENVIRONMENT ENGINEER (CEE) 270, 271, 361, 370, 370L EE 160 (Intro to C coding) ENGLISH 100, 257A HIST 151, 152 HWST 107 IS103 MATH 75x, 24, 25, 103, 241, 242, 243, 244, 302 PHYS 170, 170L, 272, 272L SOC 100 SP 251 MICR 130 OCN 201 ALL COACHING SKILLS |
Jing | Monday 8:30 AM – 11:00 AM 1:00 PM – 4:30 PM Wednesday 8:30 AM – 11:00 AM | ENG 100 ESL 13, 14, 23, 24 KLS 195 MATH 75X, 25, 103 ALL COACHING SKILLS |
Karen | Monday & Wednesday 10:30 AM – 4:30 PM | ART 101 ASAN 407 ECON 120 ENGLISH 100 FAMR 100, 133, 141, 296 HDFS 334,340, 341, 350, 360, 361,380, 380L HSER 100,140, 245, 248, 268, 270, 294, 295 HIST 151, 152 IP 364 IS103 KLS 195 KRS 395 OCN 201 POLS 367 SP 151 SPED 304 SW 200 ALL COACHING SKILLS |
Kayla | Tuesday 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM Thursday 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM | ACC 201,202 ANTH 151, ANTH 152 BIOL 100 BUSA 120, 300, 320, 321, 324, 345, 386, 490H ECON 130, 131 ENGLISH 100, 200 GEOG 101, 101L HOST 304, 306, 313 HWST 107 ICS 101 MATH 75x, 24, 25, 103L, 103M MGT 301, 310 SP 151 ALL COACHING SKILLS |
Davis | By Appointment Only | ECON 130 ENGLISH 100, 209 FSHN 185 HWST 107 IS 100, 103 MATH 24/25, 103 REL 150 SP 151 SW 200 ALL COACHING SKILLS |
Sean | Monday 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM Tuesday & Thursday 12:45 PM – 3:30 PM Friday 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM | ALL COACHING SKILLS |
Availability: Schedules vary for each tutor, please stop by the TRIO-SSS office to view tutoring schedules and/or make an appointment. If there is a particular subject that you need tutoring in that we currently do not offer, you can fill out a tutor request form, and we will do our best to provide you with a tutor who specializes in your particular subject.
Meet our Peer Tutors & Coaches

Danthone Buyacao
Aloha, my name is Danthone (Dan-ten) Buyacao. I was born in the Philippines, but I grew up in Kalihi since I was eight years old. Although, I can still speak Ilocano and Tagalog fluently. I graduated from Farrington High school and am currently majoring in Civil Engineering in the UH system. I love the beach, long drives, video games, and spending time with my friends.

Akamu Campbell
Aloha mai kākou, my name is Akamu Campbell, and I’m honored to represent the TRIO-SSS program as your Peer Coach. I’m a non-traditional student at Honolulu CC pursuing an associate degree in Fire and Emergency Response. My long-term goal is to transfer out to UH West to pursue a BBA degree in Public Administration once I’ve obtained my AA. I enjoy making connections with new faces and helping them along their path to success. My hobbies include hiking, bowling, fishing, and countless Kani ka pila! I hope to provide the support and reassurance you may need to get you far in life. “If you want to go fast, go alone. But if you want to go far, go together.” I look forward to assisting you all and moving forward in our journey. Mālama.

Karen Jones
Aloha, everyone. My name is Karen Jones, and I am a Peer Tutor/Coach for the TRIO-SSS program. I am a nontraditional student and recently earned my Certificate of Completion in COSAC Substance Abuse Counseling and Certificate of Completion in Human Services. Currently, I am enrolled at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, working toward my bachelor’s degree. The programs here at HCC are fantastic! I started using the services from the TRIO program as soon as I found out about it. I don’t think I would have been able to make it to college without this program. I started here at TRIO-SSS as a student office assistant, then Peer Coach, and worked my way up to a Peer Tutor/Coach. I encourage you all to utilize the services TRIO has to offer. The staff of TRIO, along with myself, are here to help you with your educational journey. I look forward to meeting you all and will do my best to help you in your academic endeavors.

Davis Martin
Aloha, my name is Davis. I’m a nontraditional student at Honolulu CC pursuing an associate degree in Liberal Arts. My long-term goal is to transfer to UH Manoa and achieve a BBA degree in Entrepreneurship and a BSW in Social Work. I am originally from the Big Island but became an Oʻahu resident in 2014. During free time, I enjoy hiking, swimming, and taking trips back home to visit family and friends. As a proud member of TRIO-SSS, I hope to provide academic support to fellow students through our program and make a positive impact here at HCC.

Sean Miyasaka
It is an Honor to represent the TRIO-SSS program as your Peer Coach. I’m a non-traditional first-year student at Honolulu Community College pursuing an AA degree in Liberal Arts. My long-term goal is to complete my SAAS & CSAC, transfer to a four-year college and use my experience and knowledge to help others positively influence our community. In my private time, I enjoy going to the gym, beach, hiking, and attending weekly Sunday service at my home church, Inspire Honolulu. I look forward to meeting new faces to provide academic support through our program and be a positive impact here at HCC.

Jing Liu
Ni Hao! My name is Jing Liu. I am from China, so I speak fluent Mandarin and Cantonese. I am so fortunate to be able to participate TRIO-SSS program. It had provided me tremendous help. It just like a bright light from the dark brighten up my path all the way. I am a student at Honolulu Community College (HonCC) and my major is Human service, I am motivated individual, I like share new things with others, yoga is my favorite sport, I have been doing yoga since 2012. I am so glad to join the TRIO-SSS family. Here, I believe I can thrive, and I can help more people like me to thrive. Hope to see all of you soon.

Kayla Tanaka
Aloha everyone, my name is Kayla Tanaka, and I am a Peer Coach/Tutor for the TRIO-SSS Program. I am currently attending UH West Oahu and pursuing my bachelor’s degree in business with a concentration in Hospitality and Tourism. I previously worked at the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center and now work at the Bishop Museum. I love meeting new people and interacting with others. In my free time I like to go fishing, diving, and volunteer for boy scouts. I also love all things Disney! I’m very outgoing and friendly so don’t be afraid to reach out. I look forward to meeting you all and helping you guys with your academic journey.
As an TRIO-SSS/HonCC student, you are very fortunate to be part of a higher education institution promoting academic success. What makes it even more special is that Hawai‘i in itself is a very culturally diverse State with lots of history, culture and language. Because of our diverse environment, the TRIO-SSS offers educational and cultural opportunities to our eligible participants. All Cultural and Educational Events are FREE to all active eligible TRIO-SSS students. If you are interested in attending any one of these events, please come in and sign up. All events are on a first-come first-served basis.
Federal Student Aid
- Preparing for College
- Types of Federal Student Aid
- Eligibility for Federal Student Aid
- Filling Out the FAFSA Form
- Manage Student Loans: Understanding Loan Repayment
Scholarships
- University of Hawaii – Scholarship Opportunities
- U.S. Department of Labor’s Scholarship Search
- Hawaii Community Foundation
- Kamehameha Schools Financial Aid & Scholarship Services
- Pauahi Foundation Scholarship Program
- Gates Millennium Scholars Program
- Alu Like – Hana Lima Scholarship Program
- College Board Scholarships
- Fastweb Scholarships
- Sallie Mae Scholarships
Other Financial Literacy Links
The TRIO-SSS program offers a FREE Student Success course, Interdisciplinary Studies 103 (IS103), to accepted participants,
The design of this course is to provide information and techniques to develop self-determination, self-efficacy, and self-advocacy. Students will be better equipped with the necessary skills to navigate their academic, career, and life journey. Students will become knowledgeable of the various academic and student support resources that will help them to matriculate through college successfully.
Student Learning Outcomes
Students who complete this course will be able to:
- Use the concepts of accepting personal responsibility and interdependent behaviors to achieve academic and personal goals.
- Use college resources and policies to determine and implement academic decisions.
- Incorporate awareness of diversity and cultural differences to participate fully in college and community.
- Identify their learning styles.
- Identify their unique personality strengths and challenges.
- Identify and create 2-3 general goals (goal setting)
- Demonstrate the ability to identify personal triggers that may hinder one’s desired outcome.
- Identify and utilize self-motivation techniques (positive mindset)
- Understand the importance of networking in class, campus community, and workplace.
- Learn and apply various study and life skills strategies.
- Learn and develop career readiness and career confidence.
- Learn and improve critical thinking skills.
Course Activities
Course activities include but are not limited to the following:
- Students will complete a Learning Styles Inventory.
- Students will complete career assessment inventories, resume and cover letters, and job placements.
- Students will identify their own behaviors, thinking patterns, attitudes, and feelings related to self-awareness and critical thinking.
- Students will learn the importance of goal-setting models and motivational strategies that assist in the creation of short and long-term goals.
- Students will learn various strategies: communication, mindset, self-advocacy, financial literacy, communication, etc…
- Students will participate in various team activities and develop networking skills.
TRiO-SSS Related
To ensure student success, we are happy to provide our students with as many resources as needed to meet their academic, personal, career, and overall goals. Our inventory of resources is exclusive to our eligible participants.
Learning Style Inventory
The design of this Online Guide is to help you become a more successful student. It includes a Learning Style Survey to help you identify your learning style. It also provides learning strategies that will help you study in a productive manner that matches your unique learning style.
Resource Library
Our library includes textbooks, resources related to self-help skills (mentoring, building self-confidence), careers related to different majors, resume writing, interview, cover letter guides, employment search, Computer, Math, English, English as a Second Language, essay writing, headphones, voice recorder, and calculators. In addition, we offer services related to assisting students with financial aid, scholarship search, and information regarding transfer and 4-year colleges/universities. To view our entire inventory, stop by our office, and we will be more than happy to review it with you.
How Do I Know I’m Eligible?
Honolulu Community College (HonCC) must be your home campus and be working towards earning a certificate or degree. Applicants must be currently enrolled or accepted for enrollment at HonCC; be a U.S. citizen or National of the United States or meet the requirements for federal student financial assistance; demonstrate academic need; have at least ONE of the following apply to you:
- You are a first-generation college student (neither parent nor guardian has a bachelor’s degree).
- You are “low-income” according to federal guidelines).
- You have a documented disability.
You Are Not Eligible If:
Due to the specific federal granting guidelines, you are not eligible for our program if:
- You do not meet at least ONE of the eligibility requirements mentioned in the “how do I know if I am eligible” question.
- HonCC is not your home campus
- Not working towards earning a certificate or degree
- If you are part of another TRIO-SSS program within the same fiscal year
- If you already have an associate’s degree or higher (bachelor’s, master’s, professional)
I Submitted A Program Application. When Can I Expect A Reply?
We will contact you via your school email and the current phone number you provided within one week of your submission.
Is There A Limit On The Number Of Students Accepted Into The Program?
TRIO-SSS enrollment is limited to only 160 students. Therefore, we encourage you to apply as soon as possible. Once we reach the capacity of 160 students, additional accepted students will be placed on a waitlist until a seat opens.
If I Have Been Accepted Into The Program, Do I Need To Reapply Each Year?
If you have been accepted into our TRIO-SSS Program here at HonCC, you do not need to reapply each year. We encourage our participants to take an active role in the Program each year – please refer to ‘What are the Program Requirements Frequently Asked Questions to learn more about how to stay active in the Program.
What Are The Program Requirements?
Once a participant is accepted to the program, a TRIO-SSS staff member will work with you to develop your educational plan. Each participant is expected to take an active role in the TRIO-SSS Program. You must maintain your active status in order to receive program services. To be considered an active participant in the SSS Program, you must:
- Be admitted to the program.
- Complete the intake process (learning style inventory, financial literacy)
- Complete an Educational Plan every semester
- Sign a Program Participation Agreement.
- Meet regularly with the TRIO-SSS Staff to develop and maintain your Educational Plan
- Complete a program evaluation at the end of each semester of service.
What Services Do You Provide?
All services are provided at no cost to the participants.
Academic Support
- Academic Advising
- Peer and Staff Tutoring
- Priority Class Registration
- 4-Year College Transfer Advising
- Personal Support
Enrichment & Personal Development
- Peer Coaching
- Career Guidance
- College Success Course
- Student Success Workshops (iKEA Workshop Series)
- Cultural/Educational/Service-Learning Enrichment Activities
- Leadership Opportunities
- Educational Resources
Educational Resources
- Copy/Local Fax Access
- Financial Aid & Scholarship Search Assistance
- Financial Literacy Information
- Library Resources
See the video below to watch the same TRIO-SSS information again in video form.

Get in Touch
Trio Support Student Services (Trio-SSS)
Building 7, Room 309
Phone: (808) 844-2366
Hours: M–F, 8:00 am – 4:30 pm
Virtual appointments available
Congratulations to our Fall 2022 Dean’s List Recipients
- Shelbee E.
- Mekaren E.
- Alika G.
- Nola G.
- Kellen I.
- Hitomi I.
- Pau-Lin L.
- Ming L.
- Leila L.
- Jing L.
- Alexis M.
- Davis M.
- John Ivan N.
- Shan P.
- Autumn R.
- David W.