PRIME STEM 2025-2026 Application

I confirm that I have verified the above information and this application.

PRIME STEM is a TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) federal program funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of Education. The SSS grant provides opportunities for academic development, assists students with basic college requirements, and serves to motivate students toward the successful completion of their postsecondary education. The goal of the SSS grant is to increase the college retention and graduation rates of its participants.

Confidentiality and Release of Information

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) (20 U.S.C. § 1232g; 34 CFR Part 99) is a Federal law that  protects the privacy of student education records. The law applies to all schools that receive funds under an applicable program of the U.S. Department of Education. Additionally, The Privacy Act of 1974, Title 5 U.S.C. § 552a,
establishes a code of fair information practice that governs the collection, maintenance, use, and dissemination of  personally identifiable information about individuals that is maintained in systems of records by federal agencies.

I. Documentation, I hereby give permission for the Student Support Services Program to retrieve, store, and report the following information: College Grade Reports and Transcripts (official and unofficial), SAT/ACT Scores, Financial Aid Award Notices, and, if applicable, documentation regarding status as a Learning Disabled (LD) or Physically Impaired person, or any other information regarding my status as a University of Central Florida student.

II. Tracking, I hereby give permission for the Student Support Services Program to retrieve, store, and report education verification information and student outcomes research about me that is gained from the National Student Clearinghouse and other sources.

III. Images, I give Student Support Services permission to photograph, video tape and/or record me. Further, I give permission for the Student Support Services Program to use and store these images on Web sites, brochures and/or program and media related publications.

IV. Sharing, I hereby give permission for the Student Support Services Program to share my UCF email, phone number, permanent address, class schedule and learning style with TRIO Programs student staff (peer mentors, peer tutors, and academic coaches) to use in student-to-studentsessions.

I understand that the information contained herein will be kept in confidence and will not be revealed to anyone  except Student Support Services personnel, University of Central Florida officials such as the Registrar’s Office, Student Disability Services, Office of Financial Assistance or representatives of the United States Department of Education and in accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act.

The following information is utilized in determining your eligibility for this program and will remain confidential.

How do I know if I am an independent or dependent student?

If you answer YES to any of the following questions, you are considered an INDEPENDENT student. If you answer NO to all of the following questions, you are a DEPENDENT student.

• Were you born before January 1, 2000?
• Are you less than 18 years of age and have no parent or guardian?
• Prior to reaching 18 years of age, were you an emancipated minor or did you have a court-appointed legal guardian?
• At any time since reaching 13 years of age, were you an orphan, in foster care, or a ward of the court?
• Are you married?
• Do you have children or other dependents (other than a spouse who received more than half of their support from you)?
• Are you serving active duty (for other than training purposes) in the U.S. Armed Forces?
• Are you a U.S. Armed Forces veteran who was on active duty and was released under a condition other than dishonorable?
• Are you homeless(i.e. you lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence) or are at risk of becoming homeless?

Option A: is to complete the applicable Income Verification Form (either INDEPENDENT or DEPENDENT).

By signing this 2025-2026 Income Verification Form, I am verifying that the information that I have provided to the UCF TRIO Student Support Services program is true and correct.

For Dependent Students Only:

Option C: is to provide income verification verification from a third party, federal orstate, (i.e.statement confirming receipt of social security benefits, social security disability, SNAP benefits, Section 8, WIC, letter of eligibility of aforementioned benefits).

TRIO SSS Programs serve college students who are first-generation, demonstrate a high financial need as defined by the Federal TRIO Programs Current-Year Low-Income Levels, and/or have a documented disability. Two thirds of SSS scholars must be both first-generation and low income. Each semester all SSS scholars are required to meet with their SSS advisor, attend two workshops, and engage in at least two services.

Please read the following statement carefully:

I give permission to the PRIME STEM TRIO program to access my student records. I  understand that if I am disqualified from the University of Central Florida, this will impact my eligibility to continue in the PRIME STEM program. Either the Program Manager or I may void this contract without any obligations.

• I agree to meet with the PRIME STEM Manager, Academic Support Coordinator AND/OR Academic Coach at least once per semester and will need to complete an Individualized Academic Plan (IAP).
• I agree to complete any assigned activity within my pathway each academic cohort year (Fall, Spring and Summer).
• I agree to attend a minimum of two (2) hours of tutoring each semester with a PRIME STEM Peer Tutor, SARC, SI, the Writing Center, or the Math Lab.
• I am aware that federal regulations require Student Support Services track my academic records until I graduate.

https://linktr.ee/primestemtrioucf

@ucfprimestemtrio

Mailing address:
PO Box 161920, Orlando, FL 32816-1920
+407-823-1052 (Office)
https://trio.sdes.ucf.edu/prime-stem/