Complete the following application steps and submit it to the TRiO Student Support Services office. Participants must meet all criteria listed on the “Guidelines for SSS Grant Aid” to be eligible and considered for the award. 

For submission issues contact the Director of TRiO SSS, Alexa Winsor at alexa.winsor@otero.edu.

Personal Essay Instructions

Explain how the TRiO Student Grant Aid will assist you in:

• Completing your college degree
• Help you to stay enrolled at Otero College or transfer to a University
• Help you reduce your unmet financial need to attend Otero
• Reduce your need for student loans, etc...

Your essay must be between 300-350 words, typed, double-spaced. Please upload a copy of your personal essay below.   

 

Financial Literacy Instructions

Complete the "Financial Literacy: Loans & Debt" Module located on the TRiO D2L page under content.  Receive a 90% or higher on the quiz to earn credit for the module. 

 

When finished, take a screenshot of your certificate or module completion, save a copy, and upload it below.

Please read the following statement and sign below:

Guidelines for SSS Grant Aid

I understand that I am required to be active in TRiO Student Support Services to be eligible to receive this Grant Aid, as evidenced by:

• Meeting with my SSS Advisor at least two (2) times each semester
• Completing one or more of the financial literacy modules with a 90% or higher
• Attending at least two SSS workshops/cultural events each semester

Applications will be scored on the following criteria:

1. Essay (well-written, free of errors, sincere, description of financial need)

2. Completed Financial Literacy Module

3. Active TRiO Participant (Number of workshops, events, and visits with TRiO advisors within the academic school year)

4. Academics (Current & Past grades, GPA, withdrawn courses, etc.)

By signing this electronically, you confirm that the information provided is true and complete. Your signature is legally binding under the ESIGN Act and, where applicable, UETA. Electronic signatures are valid and enforceable like handwritten ones.

You may request a paper statement to sign manually, and can ask for a copy of the completed form at any time by calling 719-384-6835. Providing false information may result in removal from the program.