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 $1,407,550 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 73% to 84%, and graduation rates range from 40% - 54%.

Approximately 50% 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 may be eligible to participate in EXCEL/SSS if you are already enrolled at, or have applied for admission to, Mineral Area College; need academic support; and meet at least one of the following criteria:

  • Limited Income – taxable income does not exceed levels set by the federal government.
  • First Generation College Graduate – i.e., neither parent has a four-year degree.
  • Student with a Disability - have a documented physical or mental impairment that impacts their 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 EXCEL application and provide the requested income documentation. To apply, simply stop by the EXCEL/SSS office inside the Learning Center and pick up an application or print one by clicking on EXCEL 2019-2020 Application. After completing the application, call the EXCEL/SSS Office at (573)518-2131 to schedule an interview.

All independent students are requested to bring a copy of their previous year’s federal income tax return along with the completed application to the interview. Students who are dependents must bring a copy of their parents’ previous federal income tax as well as a copy of their federal income tax return, assuming they filed one.