TRIO is a federally funded program for first-generation college students and students with learning differences that offers support in their college journey.
The organization’s primary goal is to increase post-secondary graduation and improve retention rates among eligible students.
As first-generation college students, they must be the children of parents who do not hold a four-year degree. They also must be Pell Grant recipients.
“We do a reality fair every year, and students have a simulated experience to learn what their life looks like after getting their degree,” said Cassie Webb, director of Student Support Services.
TRIO has different programs, including Student Support Services (SSS), Upward Bound and Talent Search. Each program focuses on a different aspect of higher education. The programs are designed to help students overcome class and cultural barriers to higher education.
“We have a lot of academic focus on leadership opportunities such as our Texas TRIO program. Students are able to go on leadership conferences and (can become) a club officer,” Webb said. “Through leadership opportunities, (students) can gain a new set of skills in this program.”
The TRIO campus organization elects a new board of officers each year. The officers for the 2024-2025 academic year include Christina Sebastian, vice president, Marcus Miranda, secretary and Sanaa Blaylock, event coordinator. The president and treasurer positions are yet to be determined.
“My experience with TRIO has been eye-opening,” Sebastian said. “Because of the TRIO club, I was able to explore many opportunities to participate in activities at Dallas College.”
The program recently took students to tour several universities.
“The TRIO SSS program recently had an amazing opportunity for us to explore different universities to which we could transfer. This helped me gain confidence and allowed me to open up to new ideas. It also helped me connect with peers,” Sebastian said.
TRIO plans to make a trip to Baylor in the fall and to Louisiana State University in the spring. The trip to Baylor is scheduled for Oct. 3.
For more information on TRIO and what it has to offer visit www.dallascollege.edu/resources/trio/
