New Mexico State University’s (NMSU) TRIO Student Support Services Tutoring Program earned recertification from the College Reading and Learning Association.
The program secured CRLA International Tutor Training Program Certification for levels 1, 2 and 3. The certifications are official through December 2029, according to NMSU.
Trese Collins, coordinator of the TRIO Student Support Services Tutor Program, said the certification strengthens tutoring quality and impact. It ensures peer tutors are trained using nationally recognized standards.
“As a result, students receive consistent, high-quality academic support that encourages effective learning strategies, strengthens study skills and builds academic confidence,” said Collins.
TRIO SSS Peer Tutoring offers free academic support to all TRIO SSS participants. The program provides tutoring in person at Hardman Jacobs Undergraduate Learning Center, Room 128, and online through Zoom.
“Students who take part in CRLA certified tutoring gain a stronger understanding of course material, build critical thinking skills and often see improvements in their academic performance,” Collins said.
Collins said TRIO SSS tutors are trained to support diverse learning styles, promote independent learning, and encourage student persistence. She emphasized that these strategies are important elements of student success and retention.
She said this structured support helps increase engagement, confidence, and steady progress toward academic and personal goals for participants.
“Our certified tutoring not only strengthens the program’s credibility and supports TRIO’s mission, but it also plays a meaningful role in helping students stay on track, succeed and reach graduation,” Collins said. “Altogether, CRLA certified tutoring fosters a welcoming, supportive environment where students and tutors thrive, while celebrating and reinforcing a culture of learning, growth and academic success.”
About the TRIO SSS Tutoring Program
TRIO SSS is a unique program at NMSU funded by grants from the U.S. Department of Education.It helps first generation students with financial needs and students with disabilities reach their full potential and achieve academic success.
The program provides opportunities for academic development and assists students with basic college requirements. It also motivates students to achieve successful completion of their post secondary education.
TRIO SSS aims to increase the participants’ college retention and graduation rates while helping students transition between higher education levels.
The program offers:
- Peer Mentoring
- Peer Tutoring
- Academic Support and Guidance
- Advocacy and Personal Support
- Assistance with Financial Aid
- Graduate School Preparation
- College Success Workshops
- Equipment Loans (Calculators, iClickers, Digital Recorders, Translators)
- Free Testing Supplies (Scantrons & Blue Books)
- GRE Fee Reduction Waivers
- Computer Lab & Study Areas
TRIO SSS serves 350 students who are first generation college students, low-income, and/or have a documented disability. Students must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents, enrolled full-time, degree-seeking at NMSU-Main Campus, and demonstrate academic need.