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145 low-income and first-generation TRIO students and graduates sponsored by 10 Southern Illinois Colleges participated in the 2023 National TRIO Day of Service on February 25, 2023. Students who attended were inspired to continue their individual paths to success by learning from current TRIO mentors as well as TRIO alumni who are TRIO legacies and walking success stories. They were encouraged to take what they learned and prove that they can also become a “Walking Success Story” and grow into future TRIO leaders for those that follow in their footsteps.
The day started off with a presentation of several personal hygiene and clothing items to SWAN (Stopping Woman Abuse Now) that students and staff had collected as part of a service project. SWAN aids victims of domestic abuse, care-facility neglect, abuse of the disabled, homeless and has a domestic violence shelter.
Julie Hill, an Olney native and participant in the first TRIO Upward Bound program available in the area, delivered an unforgettable keynote presentation to the students and staff. Julie and her husband are the owners of Ginger Ale’s, a small soda shop they opened in 2015, and since have gone on to franchise the drink concept. Julie gave students seven questions to think about to help them discover their life purpose. Many interactions stood out including when Julie asked the question “What is the thing that you really want to do but are too embarrassed to tell anyone about?”. A student raised their hand and answered, “Personally, a lot of women like me don’t want to go into the modeling career, but I feel like I would be a good plus size model.”. Julie along with everyone else erupted in applause and she was called up on stage where Julie said, “I want you to show us what you’ve got!”, the student did her model walk across the stage as the crowd praised her confidence. Julie asked another question that stood out, “If you knew you would not fail, what would you do?”. The student she called on answered, “If I could change something or do something I would try to find the cure to a disease or something.”. Julie encouraged the students to use the talents they possess, grow in every way they can, and try their very best to accomplish their goals. She left them with the quote, “It’s better to do something and be criticized for it, than do nothing and criticize others.”
Students attended three different educational sessions of their choice. Sessions were presented by various IECC staff, TRIO employees, and local professionals. The breakout session topics varied from mental health, financial literacy, self-care, career readiness, health careers, drug crisis in rural Southern Illinois, and social-emotional learning. Students also had the opportunity to role-play and debate, interact with a TRIO alumni panel, and take a campus tour.
For millions of students from low-income families who strive to be the first in their families to attend and graduate from college, seven federally funded programs called TRIO are making a world of difference. TRIO programs have been providing valuable support services to students from low-income and working families to successfully enter college and graduate for over 50 years.
TRIO services include tutoring, personal and financial counseling, career counseling, assistance with the college admissions process, college visits, instruction in composition, literature, STEM, personal development, study skills, lab science, foreign language, and mathematics, test prep, work-study program, SEL, financial literacy and assistance with FAFSA and scholarships, in addition to academic support and advising in high school through college graduation.
Today more than 1,000 colleges, universities, and community agencies host more than 2,800 TRIO projects that serve more than 800,000 young people and adults. TRIO serves students of all racial and ethnic backgrounds. Currently, 34% of TRIO students are White, 33% are African American, 21% are Hispanic, 4% are Asian-American or Pacific Islander, 4% are American Indian, and 1% are listed as “other,” including multiracial students.
We are so glad that we were given the opportunity to host such an amazing event where so many motivated, inspiring, and absolutely remarkable students came to spend their Saturday learning and growing together. TRIO is lucky to have such determined young people who dedicate their time to becoming the best version of themselves. In honor of National TRIO Day, we proudly walk beside them knowing they can share their story and walk in their truth as their very own “TRIO Walking Success Story”.
TRIO – Upward Bound programs are 100% federally funded by the Department of Education for (LTC) $312,480, (OCC) $361,983, and (WVC) $297,601.
TRIO – SSS is 100% federally-funded for $348,002 as a college–based educational opportunity outreach program that motivates and supports students from low-income backgrounds – including military veterans and students with disabilities.