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Accepting Applications for the 2023-2024 academic year!

PLEASE NOTE: Once you begin the application form, you must be ready to attach the items below. Any incomplete application cannot be saved.

1. Attach a 2 page, double spaced, 12-font format, essay, answering the following questions: 

• • What are your academic goals and how will SSS TRIO help you accomplish them?
  • What is your biggest academic need at the moment?
  • Please share anything else about yourself to help us get to know you

2. A photo of yourself 

Once you have the attachments and photo ready, please fill out the SSS TRIO Application .

Frequently Asked Questions

• What are the benefits of being in ASPIRE?

  • ASPIRE is a small program that works with a modest cohort of 260 students a year. Our staff is centered on creating a “family-like” community for students and offer to meet with students more time to address the various needs of students. Here is a list of just some of the things we offer:

    - Individual Academic Advising
    - Computer Lab (FREE Printing)
    - Cultural/Special Events (plays,operas, & more)
    - Graduate School Trips
    - Fall/Spring Picnics
    - Informational Workshop
    - Special graduation commencement
    - ASPIRE grant (Freshmen & Sophomores), Transfer students do now qualify 

• What are the qualifications/eligibility?

  • To be eligible for SSS TRiO (ASPIRE) Program services, federal guidelines dictate that students must meet at least one of the following requirements:

    • Low income  https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ope/trio/incomelevels.html
    • First generation in college (neither parent has a four-year degree from a U.S. granting institution)
    • Have a learning or physical disability and are registered with AEC
    • EOP participants are not eligible for ASPIRE services
    • Students must also demonstrate a need for the services.
• How do I make an appointment?

  • For first time applicants, please email us at aspire-program@sjsu.edu

    You may also call our office at 408-924-2540.

• What are the low income requirements?
  • We look number of household and taxable income levels as determined by the U.S. Department of Education. A summary of current levels can be found here.
• Can I be in EOP and ASPIRE?
  • No, you cannot be in both in EOP and ASPIRE. This is because both programs serve a similar population, thus students would be receiving many of the same services, which in turn makes services unavailable for students who would be eligible for either program but did not get accepted due to participation capacity.
• What is the difference between EOP and ASPIRE?
  • The main difference between EOP and ASPIRE is that EOP is a state funded program and ASPIRE is a federally funded program. EOP serves about 2000 students and are required to apply before attending SJSU. ASPIRE serves around 258 students and is open to current and incoming students who meet eligibility criteria (first-generation, and/or low-income, and/or documented disability).
• Where is the SSS (ASPIRE) office located?

  • We are located in the Student Service Center, SSC 518

    SSS (ASPIRE) Program
    One Washington Square
    San Jose, CA 95192-0127