SCF’s TRIO SSS Students Overcome Barriers and Achieve Graduation Milestones

State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota’s (SCF) Spring 2026 graduating class included twelve SCF TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) program participants, including the Outstanding Graduate Award (OGA) winner for the second consecutive semester.

TRIO SSS provides advising, tutoring, mentoring and other support to help low-income students, first-generation college students and students with disabilities stay in college, graduate with a two-year degree and transfer to a four-year institution or enter the workforce.

The graduates earned 10 Associate in Arts (AA) degrees, one Associate in Science degree and one Bachelor of Applied Science degree. Their post-graduation plans include transferring to the University of South Florida (USF), Florida Atlantic University and the University of Central Florida, pursuing careers in dental hygiene and continuing their education and careers across Florida and beyond.

OGA winner Jana Andresia Maynard is a mother who continued her education and was actively involved in student life at SCF. In addition to TRIO SSS, Maynard served as president of the Sigma Kappa Delta honor society and participated in Phi Theta Kappa, Classroom Undergraduate Research Experiences, fundraising, photography and other activities. She earned an AA degree and a 3.7 GPA. She plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a doctorate degree in clinical psychology at USF and envisions creating a nonprofit organization that supports neurodivergent individuals and their families.

Graduate Cindy Velazquez-Santana was a TRIO SSS peer math tutor and participant. Reflecting on her experience in the program, she shared, “They have guided me in my courses and provided resources. The staff is always there for the students. Most of all, the program allows students to connect and be themselves. For SCF to have programs like this, it shows the school cares and supports the students.”