Starting Point

Funded by the federal government, TRIO Starting Point (Student Support Services) provides support, services and resources to help students succeed in college and graduate or transfer.
We Want You to Join!
- Apply Now. Complete the online application and provide any required documentation. Students are accepted into the program on a first-come, first-serve basis. See our Eligibility Requirements below for information about required documentation.
Note: Admission to the program is not automatic. Completed applications will be evaluated for eligibility and space in the program. If admitted, you will be contacted about the next steps to begin your involvement with TRIO Starting Point. - Complete the Starting Point orientation. Find out all about TRIO history and our program services and requirements in one session. Once this is complete, you will be contacted to make an appointment with your new TRIO Starting Point advisor.
- Meet with your assigned TRIO Starting Point advisor. During this session, you will be able to talk with your new advisor about your goals, questions & needs and discuss how our program can help you do your best.
- Get involved! Once you have met with your TRIO Starting Point advisor, you will be able to take advantage of our services and activities. They are here for you!
Eligibility Requirements
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 have one of the following requirements:
- Low-income individual (see details below)
- First Generation college student (neither parent has a bachelor’s degree)
- Have a disability
You must be at or above the following course levels:
- Writing: ENGL 0900 or ESOL 0041
- Reading: READ 0100 or ESOL 0042
You are ineligible for the program if you are:
- Close to graduating and/or transferring
- Applying soon or in the nursing program
- Have a previous degree
Family Income Levels
A “low-income individual” is an individual whose family's taxable income for the preceding year did not exceed 150 percent of the poverty level amount –The figures shown under family income represent amounts equal to 150 percent of the family income levels established by the Census Bureau for determining poverty status. The 2021 poverty guidelines are in effect as of January 13, 2021. Federal Register notice was published February 1, 2021.
(Effective January 13, 2021 until further notice)
Size of Family Unit | Income in lower 48 States* | Alaska Income | Hawaii Income
- 1 | \$19,320 | \$24,135 | \$22,230
- 2 | \$26,130 | \$32,655 | \$30,060
- 3 | \$32,940 | \$41,175 | \$37,890
- 4 | \$39,750 | \$49,695 | \$45,720
- 5 | \$46,560 | \$58,215 | \$53,550
- 6 | \$53,370 | \$66,735 | $61,380
- 7 | \$60,180 | \$75,255 | \$69,210
- 8 | \$66,990 | \$83,775 | \$77,040
For family units with more than eight members, add the following amount for each additional family member: $6,810 for the 48 contiguous states, the District of Columbia and outlying jurisdictions; $8,520 for Alaska; and $7,830 for Hawaii.
*includes the District of Columbia and Outlying Jurisdictions
Services to Students
The following services are available and FREE to all TRIO Starting Point students:
Advising:
- Advice and assistance in course enrollment, selection and planning
- Transfer planning & application assistance
- Monitoring of academic progress, assessment, and intervention when needed
- Advocacy with faculty and staff
- Transfer college campus tours
- Financial aid award letter review
- Assistance in completing applications and monitoring Federal Student Aid
- Financial literacy education
- Scholarship searches and application assistance.
- Career exploration and planning
- Goal setting assistance
Academic Support & Professional Tutoring:
- Professional tutoring
- Study skill development
- Educational workshops
- FYST 1000: Orientation to Higher Education course
- Academic resource lending program (laptops, SmartPens, digital recorders)
Leadership & Cultural Opportunities:
- Peer mentoring
- Leadership opportunities
- Cultural & social events
- Student conferences
For information about any services, please contact your Starting Point advisor.
Contact Us
Office: T.2500
Email: triostartingpoint@minneapolis.edu
Call: 612-659-6563
Staff:
- Julie Vang, Administrative Assistant, 612-659-6563
- Kate Germ, Program Advisor, 612-200-5456
- Kris Leveille, Director, 612-659-6561
- LaJune Cain, Program Advisor, 612-659-6314
- Mary Jo Dahl, Assistant Director, 612-659-6541
- Max Hollenback, Program Advisor, 612-659-6564
- Nelah Anand, Academic Coordinator, 612-659-6567
- Sharon Margalli, Program Advisor, 612-659-6566
- Michael Bro, Program Advisor, 612-659-6565