
TRIO
What is TRIO?
Going to college is a big step. We’ll help you finish what you start. We’ll also make sure you thrive along the way and discover life after Illinois State. TRIO is a nationwide program that offers you the best chance to enter and graduate from college. And while you’re in college, TRIO provides the resources and academic advising you need to succeed.
Be Part of Our Strong Community
Illinois State’s TRIO/SSS program recognizes the wealth that first-generation students bring to the campus community and walks with them as they use their social and cultural capital to achieve personal and academic success.
Some people have been part of TRIO since middle school. Others join us when they get here. We’re open to underrepresented students, including:
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First-generation.
This means neither of your parents graduated from a four-year school.
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Financial status.
We welcome those who have a demonstrated financial need according to federal guidelines.
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Persons with a disability.
Our programs and services are designed to help those with a documented disability.
We build the foundation that helps you thrive.
You don’t have to navigate college alone. We’ll be by your side from the start. Here’s what you can expect when you’re part of TRIO.
Connect With Us on Social Media
Stay up to date with what's happening in TRIO.
The end result is huge.
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Advocate for yourself.
Start using your voice to build your identity and be your number one champion.
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Break the cycle.
Our crucial (and sometimes uncomfortable) conversations will help you stop the negative behaviors and habits that hold you back.
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Destroy barriers.
It’s not an easy journey, but it’s worth it. When something stands in your way of success, you’ll have the confidence and tools to crush it.
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Accomplish your goals.
When times get tough, you won’t quit. TRIO students come back to school each semester and finish what they started.
TRIO at Illinois State
I was always told I had to go to college, but I was never told what to expect. While in college I faced a lot of challenges like deaths, being in a car accident, dealing with depression, and being on academic probation. At that point, I was ready to give up and go home. Then one conversation with my advisor changed everything, from my view on life to my view on college. I began to gain my voice and become the woman I am today.
Nakiya '22
Early Childhood Education


[TRIO] was very diverse and created a lot of opportunities for me to explore different opportunities that were beneficial to my overall college experience. It was also beneficial because it celebrated my unique experiences and perspective among the other students.
Harold '22
Political Science
TRIO gave me the resources not only to get through college but to excel at it. The guidance provided to me by my TRIO advisors helped me approach each semester with a plan to succeed, and the TRIO lounge provided a quiet and inviting space for me to get stuff done.
Levi '22
Software Engineering


TRIO held me accountable. They also provided many opportunities for me to better myself as a leader and as a person. All of the experiences set up by TRIO have been both fun and educational, and there were many opportunities to learn new things.
Tawnya '22
Nursing
Remember that your journey is what makes you who you are. All the struggles and adversity is what creates an unbreakable person. Always continue to progress and overcome each obstacle as the radiance that comes at the end is incomparable.
Jamiya '22
Sociology

Learn More About TRIO
TRIO Student Support Service (SSS) is a federally funded program that began in 1968. It is one of the eight federal “TRIO” programs authorized by the Higher Education Act to help first-generation college students access, navigate, and succeed in higher education. The U.S. Department of Education identifies first-generation students as those whose parents did not obtain a four-year college degree. Illinois State’s TRIO/SSS program recognizes the wealth that first-generation students bring to the campus community and walks with them as they use their social and cultural capital to achieve personal and academic success.
TRIO is a strong program with support at the national, state, and local level. TRIO has been part of Illinois State since 1987, but it all started in 1967 with the War on Poverty and a desire to help people access opportunities that were typically denied to them.