Historically, first-generation, low-income, and students with disabilities have had very high attrition rates at California Community Colleges and institutions of higher education in general. Based on figures compiled by the National Center for Educational Statistics in 2004, 4.5 million low-income, first-generation college students comprise approximately 24% of undergraduate students in the United States. According to research, low-income, first-generation college students were nearly four times more likely to leave higher education after the first year than students who had neither of these risk factors. Furthermore, six years later, nearly one-half (43%) of low-income, first-generation college students had left college without earning degrees (National Center for Educational Statistics, 2004). Student Support Services (TRiO) programs are designed to assist first-generation college going, low-income, and students with disabilities with gaining the academic and self-advocacy skills necessary to persist towards an educational goal, 2-year degree completion, transfer to a 4-year university, and/or completion of a certificate program. Services provided to student program participants included: academic counseling, financial assistance, transfer preparation, study skills, test-taking strategies, university visits, major and career exploration, cultural activities, and peer academic tutoring. The purpose of this study was to determine if students who participated in Student Support Services (TRiO) programs at California Community Colleges were more likely to persist and complete an educational goal compared to nonprogram counterparts with similar demographic backgrounds. As a growing trend of first-generation college-going, low-income, and students with disabilities are enrolling at California Community Colleges, it is important to understand how this population of students is experiencing our institutions of higher education. More importantly, it is critical for college administrations and leaders to understand the importance of creating a culture of success at their institutions by which all students will have the support and advocacy to realize their academic and personal goals. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]