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At Saint Paul College, we believe in nurturing our students’ potential, not just academically but holistically. Our robust Student Support Programs are a testament to this commitment. From academic guidance and career counseling to mental health resources and financial aid services, we offer a wide range of support initiatives to ensure every student thrives. Experience the Saint Paul College difference, where your success is our priority.
Student Support Programs
our programs are open to all students.
We have a support program for you.
COMPASS
Graduate on time and debt-free with Saint Paul College’s COMPASS Program. Designed for recent high school graduates and Pell Grant recipients, our program offers financial assistance to cover tuition, fees, textbooks, transportation, and basic needs.
TRIO Student Support Services
TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) is a federally-funded student success and retention program.
UMN Humphrey Fellowship
The Associate Campus Mentoring Program is a partnership between Saint Paul College and the University of Minnesota Humphrey Fellowship Program to engage Fellows and Saint Paul College students in cultural exchange.
Four Directions
The Four Directions Summer Pathway to Saint Paul College is a culturally responsive program for American Indian students who would like to consider college as an option.
ILead Fellowship Program
ILEAD is a dynamic community-building initiative originally designed to provide comprehensive support and empower BIPOC male students on their educational journey. All are welcome.
We Thrive
Generously funded by the Women’s Foundation of Minnesota, the We Thrive Fellowship Program at Saint Paul College is dedicated to fostering a supportive academic environment for BIPOC female and gender-expansive students. All are welcome.
COMPASS
Graduate on time and debt-free with Saint Paul College’s COMPASS Program. Designed for recent high school graduates and Pell Grant recipients, our program offers financial assistance to cover tuition, fees, textbooks, transportation, and basic needs.
PROGRAM BENEFITS
Affordable High-Quality Education for High School Graduates
Join COMPASS and benefit from our dedicated advisors, career development opportunities, and a supportive community of peers. We aim to help you graduate on time, debt-free, and ready for a rewarding career.
- Develop a sense of belonging and connection to campus.
- Build relationships and networks with fellow students, faculty, and staff.
- Be assigned a dedicated advisor to guide academic progress from entry to graduation.
- Have opportunities to take classes with fellow COMPASS students to foster community.
TRIO Student Support Services
What is TRIO Student Support Services?
TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) is a federally-funded student success and retention program. Our goal is to support TRIO students throughout their studies at Saint Paul College through individualized services and student engagement so students can complete an Associate’s degree and be prepared to transfer to a 4-year college or university.
Email TRIO@saintpaul.edu 
Meet the Staff 
- Academic advising
- Financial guidance (financial aid, scholarship, and financial literacy)
- Personal Coaching
- Career and Major Exploration
- Tutoring
- Access to a study space/lounge
- Workshops and cultural events
- Transfer visits to 4-year schools
- Grant opportunities
To be eligible for TRIO SSS you must demonstrate academic need and meet one of the following requirements:
- Identify as a First-Generation college student (neither parent has a bachelor’s degree)
- Meet income guidelines established by the US Department of Education
- Have a documented disability and receiving services through the Access and Disabilities Office
You must also be a US Citizen or Permanent Resident, enrolled at Saint Paul College, plan to earn a degree, and have no previous degrees. Preference is given to students 24 years and older pursuing an associate’s degree (AA, AS, AAS).
- APPLY HERE
Please note: Admission to the program is not automatic. Completed applications will be evaluated for eligibility and space in the program. If admitted, you will be contacted about the next steps. - Attend a TRIO SSS Orientation—learn out about the history of TRIO, our program services, and requirements.
- Meet with your TRIO SSS Navigator or program Director—after you attend your first advising session, you will officially be a TRIO SSS student and eligible to receive services!
- Schedule an appointment to meet with TRIO staff using EAB Navigate
- Scholarships
- Transfer Resources
- Academic Support and Tutoring
Name
Department
Contact
Mela Shah
Director of TRiO Student Support Services
1365
Student Affairs, TRIO
34
Michael Davis
TRIO Administrative Assistant
Student Affairs, TRIO
Program Information
UMN Humphrey Fellowship
The Associate Campus Mentoring Program is a partnership between Saint Paul College and the University of Minnesota Humphrey Fellowship Program to engage Fellows and Saint Paul College students in cultural exchange. This partnership includes a service learning project and goal setting and helps students build relationships and interact with established professionals from across the globe.
Humphrey Fellows are exceptional ambassadors from their countries who have demonstrated leadership potential and a strong commitment to public service, whether in the public, private, or non-profit sector.
Program Cost
There is no fee for participating in the program.
Program Benefits
- Gain practical advice, encouragement, and support from an experienced professional.
- Develop your social, academic, and professional confidence.
- Understand Global Fluency (exposure to global perspectives).
- Identify and set SMART goals (e.g., Increasing motivation, improving your time management skills, finding an internship, reading non-school related books, or joining an extracurricular group/student organization).
- Expand your personal and professional networking.
- Grow your communication skills, increase your experience with collaboration and networking, and participate in a resume-enhancing project.
* You’ll receive a $200.00 stipend upon completing the mentoring program during the spring semester!
Time Commitment (10-12 hours total) October-May
- 1 hour of Mentee Orientation
- 1 hour – establish joint goals with Mentor
- 3 (virtual) one-on-one meetings with your Mentor
- Service Learning project with your Mentor
- 1.5 End or Program Presentation/Celebration
Program Dates: June 23rd – August 7th, 2025
Four Directions 2025 Summer Bridge Program
Welcome! We’re so happy you are interested in the Four Directions Summer Bridge Program. Please let us know the best way to contact you for more information and to stay up to date with events. We’re looking forward to connecting with you! Please do not hesitate to let us know if you have any questions or concerns in the meantime.
Program Benefits:
- Support to complete Saint Paul College Application, Financial Aid, and other program paperwork;
- American Indian Navigator to guide and support student while attending Saint Paul College;
- Scholarships available through Saint Paul College’s Power of You program;
- Monday and Wednesday morning breakfast and circle experience;
- Support with college study skill building, cultural enrichment, networking, and paid internship;
- Access to technology with mentorships and tutoring;
- Job skills training and continued paid internship opportunities;
- Academic advising and other student support services;
- Tutoring support;
- Financial aid counseling;
- Transportation Support
Requirements for successful completion:
- Student is required to attend orientation Wednesday, May 28th, 2025 from 4:30pm – 6:00 pm
- Student attended Success Seminar: Monday/Wednesday 10:00am-12:00pm.
- Student participated in Career Exploration/20 hours per week paid internship.
- Student participated in weekly workshops.
Program weekly schedule:
- Monday: 9:00am – 4:00pm at Saint Paul College (Opening Circle/Breakfast, Student Success Seminar, Lunch, Workshops)
- Tuesday: Right Track Internship
- Wednesday: 9:00am – 4:00pm at Saint Paul College (Opening Circle/Breakfast, Student Success Seminar, Lunch, Workshops and Cultural Events)
- Thursday: Right Track Internship
- Friday: Right Track Internship
To be admitted into Four Directions, you must complete the Right Track internship application by Friday, February 28th, 2025, by 11:59 pm.
ILEAD Fellowship program
ILEAD is a dynamic community-building initiative originally designed to provide comprehensive support and empower BIPOC male students on their educational journey. All are welcome.
ILEAD is committed to enhancing retention, persistence, and completion rates, ultimately paving the way for successful careers and thriving wages.
Our ILEAD staff and partners understand the unique challenges faced by our students, and we go beyond traditional academic assistance. We offer a holistic approach that encompasses a wide range of personalized support services. From addressing basic needs to providing scholarship funding, leadership development, mentoring, cohort advising, and culturally relevant programming, we strive to meet our students’ diverse needs.
The ILEAD acronym represents the core principles that guide our program: Identity, Leadership, Excellence, Accountability, and Dedication. These five pillars are not just words to us; they are the values our students have chosen to embody and live by every day. Through these principles, we foster a strong sense of belonging and empower our students to reach their full potential.
If you are seeking a transformative college experience and the opportunity to forge lifelong connections, ILEAD is here for you. Apply today and begin your transformative journey towards academic achievement, personal growth, and professional success.
We Thrive
Are you a woman of color or gender-expansive student seeking community and support to thrive in your academic journey and beyond? Look no further than the We Thrive Fellowship Program!
About our program
The We Thrive Fellowship Program at Saint Paul College is dedicated to fostering a supportive academic environment for BIPOC female and gender-expansive students.* Our goal is to enhance retention, persistence, and completion rates, ultimately leading to family-sustaining, living-wage employment. We achieve this through holistic support initiatives, including basic needs assistance, cohort advising, scholarship funding, leadership development, mentoring, and culturally relevant programming. Our mission is to redefine success for our students.
*all students are welcome.
Requirements
- Attend new member orientation
- Attend bi-weekly meetings (every other Friday 11:30 am – 1:00 pm)
- Maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA
Program Benefits
By participating in the We Thrive Fellowship Program, you will be eligible for the following benefits:
- Access to holistic support services tailored to your needs and goals.
- Peer mentorship from staff and community members committed to your success.
- Inclusion in culturally relevant programming, leadership development, and financial literacy events.
- Assistance with professional development, resume enhancement activities, and securing family-sustaining, living-wage employment.
- Opportunities for gap-tuition assistance and funding for books/materials (eligibility requires completion of one successful semester at Saint Paul College).
- Eligibility to receive a $500 stipend per semester for maintaining a minimum 2.0 GPA and actively participating in program events and activities.
- The stipend will be determined by your engagement with bi-weekly programming and events, the total number of submitted journal entries, completion of the Focus 2 Career assessment, and the We Thrive Capstone project (graduation year).
