In 1986, a congressional resolution declared that Saturday, February 28, 1986, should be designated as “National TRIO Day” to commemorate the annual achievements of the TRIO programs in communities across the country. The federal TRIO programs are educational opportunities that support limited-income students, first-generation students, and students with disabilities to enter college and earn a degree.
Every year since then, the fourth Saturday in February is reserved as National TRIO Day - a day of celebration, reflection, and action around increased access to higher education for disadvantaged students.
Evergreen is proud to partner with several TRIO programs to further the academic pursuits of our students.
Let us:
- Celebrate the positive impact of federal TRIO programs in our communities throughout the nation.
- Reflect on the importance of educational opportunity programs in creating a fairer society for all Americans.
- Act to protect and further access to higher education for limited- income students, first-generation students, and students with disabilities.
Join us and celebrate the 38th anniversary of National TRIO Day February 24, 2024, and raise awareness about the importance of these educational opportunities!
TRIO students were recently asked to share their experience at Evergreen, read what they have to say!
---
Huda Hashim
What does TRIO mean to you?
TRIO has helped me with EVERYTHING! I joined the program in 2022 and have worked with a couple of advisors who have been supportive and responsive to my needs. As a first-generation student and language learner I had to figure out how to be a college student on my own, but TRIO has been there to support me. I meet on a weekly basis with my advisor, and they help me navigate everything that comes my way. With the support of TRIO, I have been able to pursue learning experiences I had dreamed about. Last year, I did a study abroad in Vietnam and India, and with the help of the program I was able sort out travel arrangements and financial aid. They also remind me of important things I need to do, like apply for scholarships to help me save some money. I know I can go to them for any questions I have, and I will receive the help I need. I was encouraged to apply to TRIO by another TRIO student when I first came to Evergreen, and now I’m that student telling others to go to TRIO for help. The quality of support I have received is great and I want other students to benefit from this great program too!
---
Hailey Maria Salazar
What does TRIO mean to you?
TRIO is an incredibly vital program for scholars from diverse backgrounds because of the invaluable support and resources it provides to those facing unique challenges in navigating higher education. As an Indigenous, first-gen, and (dis)abled student, TRIO was instrumental in my undergrad journey by offering mentorship, advocacy, and the support that helped me pursue my academic goals and dreams.
I am immensely grateful for TRIO, both as a former student and now as a faculty member in the Native Pathways Program. Here, I have the privilege of continuing to work with TRIO in supporting students in the many ways TRIO supported me. Thank you, TRIO!
---
Kevin Woolridge
What does TRIO mean to you?
TRIO, to me, is always a place I can rely on to reach my academic and career goals. It has allowed me to make the most of my college experience here at the Evergreen State College and overcome my odds, enabling me to reach heights I never thought were possible. TRIO saw me for who I am, tailored perfectly to my neurodivergence, and showed me how to harness my strengths and find balance. TRIO is not only a place to ask general questions about how to be successful in college, TRIO is about helping you persevere through internal and external pressures along your education journey..
Why are TRIO programs important?
TRIO programs are important because they assist students facing significant barriers in achieving success in college, promoting equity in education and empowering individuals from diverse backgrounds. I grew up in a small rural town amidst less-than-ideal influences and limited academic opportunities. Despite attempting university, I ended up dropping out, later trying community college with similar results. This cycle left me questioning what was wrong with me, as I knew I was capable of doing better. Eventually, I found myself drawn to the natural world, inspired by species like steelhead and beavers. After enrolling at the Evergreen State College and joining TRIO, I underwent a transformative experience. TRIO helped me see things that I hadn’t noticed before, and everything just clicked. TRIO ensured I harnessed my neurodivergence in the right ways, preventing any negative outcomes. As a result, I'm now getting opportunities I never would have dreamed of back in the sticks of my hometown.
How has TRIO supported you?
TRIO supported me through the stress of determining what courses to take, ensuring I fulfill the graduation requirements, and advising me on post-graduation plans. TRIO has been able to answer all my questions, allowing me to fully focus on academic programs at hand without worrying about other confusing college matters. TRIO also supported me by providing resources to become a better student, whether through improving note-taking skills or navigating difficult situations in and out of the classroom. TRIO even supported me when I couldn't find affordable housing and was dropped from my food assistance post-pandemic, directing me to different resources to succeed in the quarter. The unwavering support of TRIO not only aided me in overcoming obstacles but also significantly contributed to my personal growth.
---
Casey Caronna
What does TRIO mean to you?
As an alumnus of the Evergreen State College and a proud former TRIO student, TRIO is as essential to my education, personal and professional growth, as a citizen of the world and educator.
Why are TRIO programs important?
TRIO programs are important because they support those who are underserved and sometimes not provide the exact access or opportunities that others may have because of their privilege. I am thankful for having been a TRIO student and all of the support they provided me and thousands of others just like me.
How has TRIO supported you?
TRIO provided wrap around advising including supporting my goals towards becoming a teacher and guidance on graduate school applications. Additionally, TRIO provided me understanding to financial aid resources and college scholarship applications. TRIO also supported guidance on activities, organizations, and on-campus support groups. Finally, TRIO really provide a space and opportunity to believe in myself. Removing any shame from my status as a first generation, low-income, and student with a disability. The support provided helped me recognize and realize that there were others out there just like me, and TRIO was a space to provide that support for us.
---
Laura Downing
What does TRIO mean to you?
To me, TRIO means a safe place and a source of support for students with disabilities on campus. My TRIO advisors have helped in so many ways. They helped me complete my scholarship essay that ultimately won me a scholarship. They encouraged me when I was writing my Internship and Independent Learning Contracts. During the Pandemic, my TRIO advisor co-worked with me online and kept me connected during such an isolating time. They helped me with time management techniques for navigating an overwhelming to-do list and maintaining a homework/fun balance. Most of all my TRIO advisors have believed in me and my potential to learn and grow.
How has TRIO supported you?
TRIO's support has made it possible for me to keep persevering. Because the homework load is a lot at college, and there are many systems to navigate, being a student is overwhelming and it is hard to see the forest for the trees. Especially at first, navigating Evergreen's unique ways of doing things was difficult. TRIO was there for me through these processes and helped me keep the faith. I am now a Senior getting ready to graduate and a tutor in the Writing Center, and TRIO has been instrumental in giving me the support I have needed to get to where I am. The TRIO programs are so important because they give students that extra support they need to make it through.
---
Onya Robertson
What does TRIO mean to you, and how has the program supported you?
When I think of TRIO, I think of how it helped me survive my first year back in college as an undergrad after over 10 years of being out of academia. My TRIO advisor, Wes McIntosh, saw me. He saw my challenges, and my strengths, and just encouraged me to keep going. He reminded me of my goals and empowered me to stand tall and keep my integrity, take care of myself, and care for my children as I worked full-time through college. He made me think I could do anything. And he reminded me that I can't do everything all at once. He proofread papers, edited resumes, and carried out mock interviews with me. he gave me space to vent, cry, and yell my triumphs over adversity. I am so appreciative of TRIO. The scholarships I received were so helpful too. When I was just starting back to college and didn't think I had what it took, TRIO made sure I knew I had what it took; it was an important piece in my undergraduate journey. Thank you so much!!!
---
Chase Patton
What does TRIO mean to you?
TRIO means support whether it is picking out my course schedule or making a connection to resources. TRIO provides assistance for people from diverse backgrounds to help them reach their goals and achieve their potential.
Why are TRIO programs important?
TRIO programs are important because they help students with the tools needed to navigate school. TRIO supports those who most need it.
How has TRIO supported you?
TRIO has supported me in setting up my original FAFSA application, applying for scholarships, and applying and getting into graduate school. TRIO was there for me when I needed help with school and I didn’t know what direction to take or who to go to.