Starting Point

1. Apply Now. Complete the online application and submit any required documentation. Admission is on a first-come, first-served basis. Check our Eligibility Requirements below for details on the necessary documents.
2. Meet Your Advisor: connect with your assigned TRIO Starting Point advisor to discuss your goals, questions and needs. Together, we’ll explore how we can support your success.
3. Take full advantage of our services and activities designed to help you thrive.

To apply, you must:

• Be currently accepted or enrolled at Minneapolis College
• Plan to graduate from Minneapolis College and/or transfer to earn a bachelor’s degree
• Be a U.S. citizen or legal resident.

To qualify, you must demonstrate an academic need and meet one of the following criteria:

• Low-Income Individual: 2024 taxable income verified in application or with signed parent form. (See income levels below.)
• First Generation College Student: Neither parent has a bachelor’s degree.
• Have a Disability: Registered with Accessibility Resource Center or provide verification.

You are ineligible for the program if you:

• Are close to graduating and/or transferring.
• Are applying soon or in the nursing program.
• Have a previous degree.
• Are unable to complete a degree within four years (must take at least 15 credits per year).

Additional Information:

• TRIO Starting Point (SSS) program services are funded by the U.S. Department of Education.

Family Income Levels

• All applicants must provide 2024 income information. If you are considered Dependent (using federal financial aid rules), a parent or guardian must provide and complete a signed income verification.
• Federal TRIO Programs Current-Year Low-Income Levels: effective January 11, 2025, until further notice). A "low-income individual" is defined as someone whose family's taxable income for the preceding year did not exceed 150 percent of the poverty level amount.
  
  Size of Family Unit | Family Taxable Income (2025)
  • 1 | $23,475
  • 2 | $31,725
  • 3 | $39,975
  • 4 | $48,225
  • 5 | $56,475
  • 6 | $64,725
  • 7 | $72,975
  • 8 | \$81,225
    
    For family units with more than eight members, add \$5,500 for each additional family member.

We are here to help YOU achieve your goals!

The following services are available and FREE to all TRIO Starting Point students to assist you at Minneapolis College and beyond.

Advising

• Academic advising: major & course planning
• Transfer planning, campus visits & application assistance
• Career exploration & planning
• Financial aid, and scholarship application assistance
• Early registration
• Referrals to other resources

Academic Support

• Professional tutoring & academic coaching
• Study skill development
• Educational workshops
• FYST 1000: Orientation to Higher Education course

Leadership & Peer Connections

• Leadership opportunities & cultural events

Office: T.2500
Email: triostartingpoint@minneapolis.edu
Call: 612-659-6591

Program Staff:

Advisors:

• LaJune Cain | 612-659-6314
• Kate Germ | 612-200-5456
• Max Hollenback | 612-659-6564
• Sharon Margalli | 612-659-6566

Academic Coordinator:

• Nelah Anand | 612-659-6567

Tutor:

• Coral Jentz-Fofanah | 612-659-6591

Administrative Assistant:

• Julie Vang | 612-659-6563

Director:

• Kris Leveille | 612-659-6561