TRIO Student Support Services Program

The TRIO Student Support Services program provides support services to low-income, first generation and/or students with disabilities enrolled at Lone Star College-Montgomery. Students in the TRIO program will receive personalized services including:

• Academic advising
• Financial Aid literacy information
• Career counseling
• Academic major exploration
• Transfer and Admissions planning
• Mentoring opportunities 
• Tutoring services 
• Cultural enrichment activities

TRIO SSS Program flyer

Interested in finding out more information? Be sure to check out the TRIO SSS Program Press Release - PDF

TRIO Student Support Services is a 100% federally funded program under the U.S. Department of Education. 

Application Information 

Students interested in joining the TRIO Student Support Services program must complete the following steps:

• Application Dates: Applications are currently being accepted for the Fall 2024 semester. 
• Apply Online: Apply now!
• Submit your application: Applicants will be notified via email about their application status. 

Counseling Services

Maverick Counselors are available to meet with students to help identify, discuss and address concerns that may be interfering with students' goals. Counselors are available to meet with students to help identify, discuss, and address concerns - but not limited to - stress, anxiety, depression, crisis, self-esteem, time management, and career exploration. Contact us today for help!

Disability Services

Lone Star College is committed to ensuring students with disabilities have equal access to LSC programs, services, and activities. To find out information about accomodations and requesting services, visit the Campus Disability Services office. 

Food Pantry

The Food Pantry at LSC-Montgomery is here to help meet the food needs of all members of the LSC-Montgomery community with dignity and respect. Check out the Food Pantry for pick-up and donation information. 

Maverick Tutoring Services

The LSC-Montgomery STAR Center offers all students individualized and group-based, course content focused learning assistance for a variety of courses including Accounting, Biology, Chemistry, Computing, English, ESOL, Geology, Languages, Math and Physics. Be sure to check out The Write Place for free tutoring in writing, ESOL, reading and public speaking. Both in-person and online tutoring options are available.

Ready for more information? Check out their website and appointment schedule. 

STAR Center (Student Tutoring and Research) 

The STAR Center, located in Building F - 1st Floor includes the Library and all tutoring services:

• The Math Homework Lab (F234)
• The HUB (F102 & F112)
• Science Homework Lab (B113)
• The Write Place (G104 & G105)

The Write Place

Our campus Write Place offers writing help, resources, workshops and events for students. At LSC-Montgomery, the Write Place is located in Building G, Room 103. Students can request both an in-person appointment or online support. 

Transfer, Recruitment and Career Center (TRAC)

The LSC-Montgomery TRAC Center offers all students opportunities to research college major options, career exploration and college transfer resource options. Specialized advising and assistance is available for TRIO SSS students. 

Check back soon for our calendar of events. 

Derrick Tate, M.Ed. - Manager & Project Director, TRIO Student Support Services

Contact Information - Derrick Tate, 936-271-6123

Derrick is the Manager for TRIO Student Support Services at LSC-Montgomery. He previously served as the Advisor II for TRIO SSS at LSC-Montgomery and before that he was an Academic Coach and Student Retention and Event Coordinator for Sam Houston State University’s TRIO SSS program. He has provided over 10+ years of guidance and support to students helping them achieve their academic goals by earning an associate degree, transferring to a four-year university, graduating with a bachelor’s degree, and/or getting accepted into graduate programs nationwide over the course of his career from Lone Star College to Sam Houston State University.

He brings a wealth of experience in areas of Academic Advising, Grant Coordination, Student Affairs/Engagement, Recruiting, Career Planning, Financial Literacy, and Leadership and he has a heart for serving and supporting students from start to finish. He holds a Master of Education degree in Higher Education with a concentration in Student Affairs Leadership from Abilene Christian University and a Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology with a minor in Health from Sam Houston State University. Derrick is also a proud alumnus of the TRIO SSS program at Sam Houston State University.

In his spare time, Derrick likes to discuss and watch sports, binge-watch his favorite shows, spend time with family and friends, and travel.

Irene Ortiz, M.S. - Advisor II, TRIO Student Support Services

Contact Information - Irene Ortiz, 936-271-6125

Irene Ortiz is a First-Generation Sam Houston State University graduate, earning her master’s degree in criminal justice leadership and management in 2021. Irene is passionate about higher education and believes every day is an opportunity to learn something new. Her goal as an Academic Advisor for the TRIO SSS program is to help her students and their families navigate this new chapter in life and reach their goals, whether transferring to a 4-year IHE or entering the workforce by providing a safe space and bilingual support services. 

Outside the office, Irene loves spending time with her family, shopping, binge-watching shows, and traveling. Irene is also a huge Scooby Doo fanatic. 

Selena Sanchez - Advisor I, TRIO Student Support Services

Contact Information - Selena Sanchez, 936-273-7284

Selena Sanchez is an Advisor I for TRIO Student Support Services at LSC - Montgomery. She previously worked as an Admissions Specialist at LSC - Kingwood, and as an Event Specialist for the Student Life office at LSC - Tomball. In her previous roles, she discovered her love for helping students at LSC pursue their goals. She obtained her Bachelor's degree in Communications Studies at the University of Houston May in 2024 and since then has enjoyed working for LSC. 

She is knowledgeable about the admissions process and is prepared to help students with any holds they may have on their account to ensure they are ready to register for classes. Selena is a proud alumna of LSC - Tomball and is grateful to have the opportunity to advise students throughout their career, at LSC. 

In her spare time, Selena enjoys spending time with her husband, reading a good YA novel, playing video games, studying the bible, and practicing the clarinet.

Isela Jaimes - Staff Assistant, TRIO Student Support Services

Contact Information - Isela Jaimes, 936-273-7032

Isela is the Staff Assistant for TRIO Student Support Services and a current TRIO student at Lone Star College- Montgomery. She will graduate with an associate degree in Human Services and a certificate of a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor. Isela plans to transfer to the University of Houston- Downtown to pursue her bachelor’s degree in Social Work. Isela enjoys helping others and is making that skill a career for herself by going into counseling. She identifies with many TRIO students who are not only first-generation students but also full-time parents who endure many sacrifices while enrolled in college.

In her spare time Isela enjoys the outdoors, she loves going to the beach, experiencing new places or restaurants, and spending time with her children.

Marilu Arambula - Specialist III, Peer Support, TRIO Student Support Services

Contact Information - Marilu Arambula, 936-271-6313

Marilu Arambula is a Peer Mentor for TRIO Student Support Services (SSS), where she finds ways to engage with students to participate in campus workshops and events for student success. Marilu is currently working on her associate's degree in business and soon plans to transfer to a university for her bachelor's program. Marilu's life has changed since she began her education at Lone Star College! She has a passion for sharing her success and skills with students to make them aware of the fundamental resources available for them to succeed. 

In her spare time, Marilu loves spending time in nature and coaching soccer with her husband and three sons. She also enjoys eating at new restaurants, travelling, and staying at luxurious hotels with her family. One major hobby Marilu enjoys most is eating a piece of cake or some ice cream.

Vickrum Sukhlani - Specialist III, Peer Support, TRIO Student Support Services

Contact information - Vickrum Sukhlani, 936-271-6307

Vickrum is a Peer Mentor for TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) at Lone Star College-Montgomery, where he is pursuing an Associate of Science degree. Vickrum plans to transfer to a Texas University to pursue a bachelor's and master's in computer science. Passionate about helping his peers succeed, Vickrum enjoys guiding students through their academic journey and supporting their personal and professional growth. 

In his spare time, Vickrum enjoys spending time with friends, family and engaging with technology. Whether he's playing video games with friends, getting his daily dopamine rush through social media apps, or hanging out with his family, Vickrum finds a balance between his academic pursuits and personal interests. 

Questions or concerns? Email us at MC-TRIO@lonestar.edu for more information. 

We look forward to talking with you soon!