TRiO Student Support Services

EXCEL/Student Support Services (SSS) is a federally-funded TRIO program designed to help students overcome academic, social, cultural, and other barriers to their success in college. It is funded through Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965.  EXCEL/SSS serves 200 participants annually. Mineral Area College's EXCEL/SSS program is funded at $1,675,550 for five years. Mineral Area College's total contribution is approximately 2.6% of the total budget. There is no cost to students or families who participate in EXCEL/SSS.

Mission Statement

To provide the support necessary for each EXCEL/SSS student to reach his/her own level of academic excellence and succeed in achieving a postsecondary education.

Tutoring in all general education courses and many electives combined with academic, financial aid, and transfer advising are key components of EXCEL/SSS. Success rates for students who take advantage of services are excellent. Recent retention rates range from 64% to 74% and recent graduation rates range from 32% to 56%.

Approximately half of EXCEL/SSS students who graduate each year transfer to four-year universities. EXCEL/SSS alumni have earned bachelor's and/or master's degrees at Southeast Missouri State University (SEMO), St. Louis University, Washington University, Missouri University of Science and Technology (S & T), University of Missouri-St. Louis (UMSL), Central Methodist University (CMU), Truman University, Missouri State University, and others. Major areas of study include engineering, psychology, elementary education, secondary education, social work, sociology, counseling, nursing and other health-related areas.

You are eligible to participate in EXCEL/SSS if meet at least one of the following criteria:

  • Limited Income (every Pell Grant recipient is eligible)
  • First-generation college student (neither parent has a bachelor’s degree)
  • Student with a Disability (have a documented disability that impacts educational goals)

Students may initiate the application process themselves or be referred by a MAC faculty member. In either case, the first step is to complete the interview, orientation, and student action plan. Stop by the EXCEL/SSS office inside the Learning Center or call the EXCEL/SSS Office at (573) 518-2131 to schedule an interview.

Office Hours (Fall and Spring)

Monday - Friday 7:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Summer Office Hours

Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Email address: excelsss@mineralarea.edu