Every year, on the fourth Saturday in February, we celebrate National TRIO Day—a time to recognize the life-changing impact of TRIO programs in communities across the country. Established by Congress in 1986, this day honors the success of first-generation students, students from limited-income backgrounds, and students with disabilities who are breaking barriers in higher education with the support of TRIO.
At The Evergreen State College, we are proud to collaborate with multiple TRIO programs, empowering our students to achieve their academic and career goals.
Join us as we:
- Celebrate the transformative power of TRIO in opening doors to education and opportunity.
- Reflect on the importance of equitable access to higher education for all students.
- Advocate for expanding and protecting programs that support student success. TRIO changes lives. But don’t just take our word for it—hear from Evergreen students themselves:
Melissa Hearitige
Why are TRIO programs important?
I am a new RA this year on Evergreen’s Olympia campus, and I work in the A building with majority under 21 students. I see a need for TRIO with all generations, but I advocate for my residents to seek out TRIO because it is that one place at Evergreen that really works for the students.
Every time I ask a student who is struggling if they have heard about TRIO they always say "No." Which means that I get the opportunity to tell them about TRIO and all the things they offer and how to qualify.
If I did not have TRIO, I do not know how I would make it through the school year and through my time here at The Evergreen State College.
Trina Griffis--TRIO alumna
How has TRIO supported you?
Being a first-generation, non-traditional student was not easy. When I first started college, I had no idea where to start, who to talk to, what the annual cycle was or what I even wanted to go to school for. I didn’t understand how college worked and it wasn’t until I connected with TRIO before I was able to gain the tools I needed to thrive in college and after graduation. I learned how to organize my academic life, I learned how to advocate for myself, and I know I would not have been able to succeed and graduate without the support of TRIO.
Nadine Larsson
How has TRIO supported you?
My TRIO advisor helps me with everything. She listens when I just need someone to do that. She really listens. And she gives great feedback and offers concrete tools that I’ve been able to use—and they’ve helped me. Not only that, but whenever I visit the TRIO offices, I feel welcome. The staff, each one of them, smile, and some of them I know by name…and, even with their student loads, they remember mine! I feel like they’re part of my family. I don’t need to see them often, but whenever I do it’s a pleasure.
College is scary. It’s something new, for everyone. If you’ve never experienced college life, and there’s nobody at home to talk to about it and about the impact of the classes, faculty and other students on you, I imagine it could feel very lonely. I say imagine because I haven’t had the chance to feel that. I am supported by a fantastic advisor and by a great team of trained professionals to help me navigate my classes, faculty and other students. Thank you, TRIO!!!
Katherine Mitchell
What does TRIO mean to you?
TRIO means getting support in my educational journey and being part of a community of people dedicating their time and energy towards learning. TRIO has impacted my student life by helping me balance and receive support in my educational journey.
Bailey Wilson
What does TRIO mean to you?
TRIO has impacted my life in a positive way as a student. I have met amazing people, received help so I could do my best in every class, and had a place to go for any question I have ever had. All the people working in TRIO that I have met have been nothing but thoughtful, helpful, and kind. They helped me get accommodations and helped me get in contact with others if they couldn’t help directly. Thank you, TRIO!