Student Support Services

About Student Support Services

Student Support Services (SSS) is a federally funded TRIO grant program. SSS was established to assist students in bridging the gap to their success in higher education and to increase college retention, graduation, and transfer rates. SSS offers academic and transfer advising, career tech and health services advising, financial literacy and financial aid workshops, leadership workshops, cultural enrichment, study skills tips and academic tutoring. Grant aid scholarships may be available to eligible students based on need and participation with Student Support Services.

In addition to campus-based tutoring, students may get up to 15 hours of free online tutoring through Smarthinking by using the link in Blackboard or by connecting directly through MyMathLab software used in the math courses.

Student Support Services (SSS) Application

Northwest-Shoals Community College has a SSS office on both the Shoals and Phil Campbell campuses. The SSS office on the Shoals campus is located in Building 100, Room 117. The SSS office on the Phil Campbell campus is located in Building 307, Room 26.

Hours:
Monday – Friday : 7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Tutoring Hours:

Monday – Thursday : 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Friday: 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
*Please refer to the Spring 2023 Tutoring Schedule for additional information.

Our Mission

The Student Support Services program provides opportunities for academic development, assists students with basic college requirements, and motivates students toward the successful completion of their post secondary education. The goal of SSS is to increase the college retention, graduation and transfer rates of its participants.

Eligibility Requirements

The Student Support Services program is designed to serve undergraduate college students who meet specific program requirements set forth by the U. S. Department of Education.

To be eligible for admission to NW-SCC’s SSS program, students must be a U. S. citizen or permanent resident and meet at least one of the following criteria:

Be a first-generation college student because neither parent completed a bachelor’s degree

Have a limited income based on federal guidelines. Click on the following link for these guidelines: http://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ope/trio/incomelevels.html

Have a documented disability with Northwest-Shoals Community College.

How do I become a part of the SSS program at NW-SCC?

You apply! Each year, the NW-SCC SSS staff meet face to face with students who meet SSS program requirements. These students then complete an application for our program. This is a voluntary support service; thus, only by returning a completed application in a timely fashion do you have the opportunity to secure a place in the SSS program.

By applying to SSS, you will be taking a giant step toward assuring your success at Northwest-Shoals Community College.

SSS Application

2023 Grant Aid Scholarship Application

The SSS Grant Aid application is now available! The deadline to apply is Friday, March 24, 2023, by 5 pm.

Below are eligibility guidelines for 2023 SSS Grant Aid:

Completed a 2022-2023 Student Support Services Application and be an eligible and active SSS participant
Receiving Pell Grant during the academic year
Have sufficient unmet financial need as determined by the NW-SCC Financial Aid Office
Earned at least 9 semester hours in the fall 2022 and attempted no more than 70 total semester hours
Presently enrolled in at least 9 semester hours (unless only 3-9 needed to graduate or transfer)
Cleared any “holds”
Previously awarded the SSS Grant Aid Scholarship no more than once
Have a minimum GPA of 2.5

If you are selected as a finalist, you will be contacted by email. All finalists are required to attend one of the Financial Literacy Workshops at the Shoals Campus: Weds, April 12th 11-12:15 or Thurs, April 13th 11-12:15. Scholarship money is awarded in the same manner as Pell refunds.

2023 SSS Grant Aid Application

Connect with SSS on Social Media

Spring 2023 Tutoring

Academic Tutoring begins on January 19, 2023. Please link to your campus below to see the tutoring schedules for times and locations. Virtual tutoring is still available by appointment only. Please call 256-331-8057 if you would like to schedule virtual tutoring.