Program Services and Benefits

What is SSS (ASPIRE)?

Student Support Services (SSS) ASPIRE is a federally funded program designed to meet the educational needs of underrepresented students. One the SJSU campus since 1977, we continue to assist students with:

• Class scheduling
• Major/career exploration
• Academic advising
• Financial aid assistance

Most importantly, we make sure students feel comfortable and supported in our program.

SSS (ASPIRE) Program Benefits

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 and FREE Printing
• Cultural/Special Events (plays,operas, & more!)
• Graduate School Trips
• Fall/Spring Picnics
• Informational Workshop
• Special graduation commencement
• ASPIRE grant (Freshmen & Sophomores)

How to Apply

Learn more about the SSS (ASPIRE) Program Application Process here!

If you have any questions about the application process please email us at aspire-program@sjsu.edu. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• What are the qualifications/eligibility?

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

    • Low income and/or

    • First generation in college (neither parent has a four-year degree from a U.S. granting institution) and/or

    • Have a learning or physical disability.

    **EOP participants are not eligible for ASPIRE services**

• How do I make an appointment?

  • Use the SpartanConnect portal to make an appointment with us. Follow this step-by-step guide [pdf] to make an appointment.

• 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 at the U.S. Department of Education site.

• 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 260 students and is open to current and incoming students who meet eligibility criteria (first-generation, and/or low-income, and/or documented disability).