TRiO Has Your Back

What is TRiO?

TRiO is a Student Support program dedicated to helping students at Gulf Coast State College succeed in their education. Funded by the U.S. Department of Education, this program assists students who are dealing with environmental, social, academic, and cultural problems in their education. With the help of TRiO, however, these students can find some ease planning out their future. As well as tutoring services, TRiO sponsors several programs to help the students of GCSC meet their goals and make their mark in their GCSC life.

College Experience

TRiO’s College Experience Program focuses on making students’ time at GCSC great and successful. Students who are going through many obstacles can find help in this state-funded program. For example, they can connect with other students to tackle various obstacles together. In addition, they can plan their future better; students can explore transferring from the college to a university, or they can search for employment in the workplace. The College Experience Program dedicates itself to giving students the knowledge and resources they need to succeed in their college life.

TRiO Educational Opportunity Center

TRiO’s Educational Opportunity Center helps GCSC students with income issues and provides enrollment services. Moreover, this program offers students help with admissions, financial aid, and career exploration. From college students either enrolling for the first time to those returning to high school or college, this TRiO program is available to all in need of enrollment services.

College Reach-Out Program

The College Reach-Out Program (CROP) serves GCSC students of different cultural and socio-economic backgrounds. As a result, 6th-12th grade students with little learning receive special support in this program. The opportunity to enter and complete a technical or college program is also available to first-generation students. Above all, providing much-needed education for students is the primary goal of the College Reach-Out Program.

Upward Bound

TRiO’s Upward Bound Program assists 9th-12th grade students from different Bay County high schools. In this program, students receive support to prepare them for their first time at college. Upward Bound offers help to high school students from low-income families as well as students from families in which neither parent holds a four-year bachelor’s degree. These students are provided tutoring in English and math to increase their chances of success. Through exposure to the college life, they can succeed in their pre-college performance and achieve their goals in higher education. For more information about Upward Bound, visit their Facebook Page.

Participation and Contact Information

Due to the pandemic of COVID-19, most of TRiO’s programs are now through virtual meetings, but participation in TRiO is still available. GCSC students who wish to join TRiO’s programs must be a U.S. citizen, a permanent resident of Florida, or an eligible non-citizen. Other requirements include the following: being a first-generation college student; possessing a low income; having a need for academic support; and having completed the eighth grade but not the tenth grade.  Students can apply to TRiO through the Home Page of TRiO, and their Contact Information is in the embedded link.

Written by Anthony Marks

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