TRIO is a federally funded program that helps support first-generation college students. Providing tutoring, mentoring, academic advising, and other resources to help students succeed in higher education.
Participants gathered outside Fell Hall before joining the walk sharing how TRIO has had an impact on their college experience.
Carlos Vargas, a student in the program said, “TRIO kind of helped me show the ropes and also gave me opportunities I wouldn’t have had, like being able to travel or seeing things people like me would never be able to see.”
Another student, Dre Davidson, highlighted its academic support: “TRIO provided me with workshops on financial literacy, how to budget, classroom support, tutoring…it helped me in many ways.”
Despite the impact TRIO has on campus, the future of the program is uncertain. The Trump administration proposed a 2026 budget that will eliminates $1.2 billion in federal funding for TRIO.
Students at the walk expressed their concerns regarding the funding cut. Worried this will reduce opportunities for those pursing higher education.
The event organizers handed out T-shirts and fliers to spread the message “TRIO WORKS.”