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Walking into the nation’s capital, Al Crosley knew he carried more than just his own story.
The Lincoln Trail College student was one of four Illinois Eastern Community Colleges students selected to attend the 2026 TRIO Policy Seminar, where students from across the country met with lawmakers to advocate for continued funding for TRIO programs.
“It was really cool,” Crosley said. “It was scary because it’s a pretty important thing to be doing. But it made me feel like I was having a part in something.”
Crosley, who is from Robinson, was chosen through a competitive application and essay process. Each IECC campus selected one student for the trip, making the opportunity both selective and meaningful.
“I worked on the essay for about a month,” Crosley said. “I really wanted to go on this trip, so I put my heart into it.”
That effort led him to Washington, where he joined fellow students in sharing firsthand accounts of how TRIO programs have shaped their academic journeys.
For Crosley, that story began long before college.
“TRIO really helped as sort of a guidance for me in high school,” he said, referencing his experience in Upward Bound. “They gave me a place to seek out tutoring, do my schoolwork and really prepare for college.”
Now enrolled at Lincoln Trail College, Crosley said that same support continues through TRIO Student Support Services, where advisors help him stay on track and prepare to transfer to Ball State University.
“I’d be pretty lost without TRIO,” he said.
That perspective became powerful testimony during meetings with lawmakers, including U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin.
“I actually got to talk to Dick Durbin, which was pretty cool,” Crosley said. “He was down to earth. It felt really chill, but I knew I still had a job to do.”
According to TRIO staff, students played a critical role in the seminar by sharing personal experiences to highlight the program’s impact.
“Being able to actually present my story in the offices of our representatives and even Dick Durbin himself was incredible,” Crosley said. “It made me feel like my voice was being heard.”
While advocacy was at the heart of the trip, Crosley said the experience extended far beyond meetings on Capitol Hill.
Students toured national landmarks, including the Lincoln Memorial and the National Mall, and explored Washington’s culture through food and shared experiences.
“It made me realize there’s a lot more than just Robinson,” Crosley said. “There are things we might take for granted that we really need to advocate for.”
Still, his favorite part wasn’t a monument or a meeting.
“I think my favorite part was just the time I got to spend with the other students and the advisors,” he said. “Seeing all these people from TRIO across the country, it was so much bigger than me.”
Since returning to campus, Crosley has already started sharing that perspective with others, especially students considering TRIO programs.
“It’s cool to tell people this is something they can do, too,” he said. “It was a great learning opportunity, and it didn’t cost me anything.”
For Crosley, the trip wasn’t just about speaking to lawmakers; it was about finding his voice and helping others see what’s possible.
“School is really hard, but it’s really important,” he said. “Having a place where you can get guidance, study and be supported, it really does wonders for you.”
