TRIO program helps students succeed in college, prepare for careers

Ohio University students are encouraged to learn about how the TRIO program can help them succeed in college, while also preparing them for careers after graduation.

TRIO Student Support Services provides no-cost advising, mentorship, student support, assistance with graduate school selection, financial literacy skill-building, career exploration and much more. The program is offered through a federally funded national program to eligible undergraduate students on the Athens campus.

"We work directly with students to help them reach their full potential — academically, professionally, and personally,” said Joy Cobb, project director for TRIO Student Support Services.

"TRIO Student Support Services is here to support Ohio University students at every stage of their college journey, whether they need help navigating University processes and systems, preparing for a career, or making sense of college life," Cobb said.

Students who are currently enrolled or who will be studying at Ohio University in the next academic year are encouraged to apply for the program. Students who may qualify for the program include those who are Pell-eligible, who are first-generation students or who have a physical disability. Students who are unsure if they are eligible for the program are encouraged to apply to TRIO and talk to the helpful advisors.

“This program is ideal for students who are still figuring things out — you do not have to have it all together to participate. In fact, that is exactly who we are here for,” Cobb said. “There is no GPA requirement, and whether you are still finding your footing academically or steadily building momentum, you belong here."

OHIO faculty and staff are also invited to refer their students to the TRIO program and encourage them to find out more about how the program can help them.

The services provided by TRIO include:

• Academic support through one-on-one coaching, tutoring, time management workshops, progress monitoring and more.
• Carer and graduate school preparation through career exploration and planning, resume and interview preparation, guidance for internships and graduate school preparation.
• Financial literacy through assistance with the FAFSA program, budgeting workshops and scholarship resources.
• Community and leadership opportunities through peer mentoring, a supportive community, leadership development programs and community events.

"These services are designed to open doors, create opportunities, and expand what is possible for every student,” Cobb said.

• Students can apply to the TRIO program here.

To learn more about the TRIO Student Support Services, see the TRIO website or send an email to triosss@ohio.edu,