ASU TRIO: A triple threat of college prep

It should come as no surprise that college is a very different experience than high school. You have to remain self-motivated, self-directed and operate without the oversight and guidance you’d have in high school. Preparing for this transition is difficult, especially for those who have not had the “traditional” school experience. 

For low-income families, first-generation citizens and military veterans, school doesn’t always look the same. A lack of resources, time and guidance can leave groups like this at a disadvantage for college applications as well as create difficult environments where education is hard to prioritize. For many students in these situations, the prospect of college can be slim, especially if they are looking for a postsecondary degree. 

Fortunately, Arizona State University’s federally funded TRIO programs support under-served members of our community by providing them with a path from high school to a postsecondary degree. Through support services designed to improve academic performance, increase student motivation and facilitate the transition between levels of education, TRIO has helped thousands of students make the next step in their academic careers.

While TRIO assists students through many parts of the college application and enrollment process, TRIO also helps support current undergraduate students with their academic development. For many students who are first-generation, veterans, have a documented disability or in low-income situations, there are limitations on their ability to achieve higher levels of education. TRIO makes sure that students with the drive and dedication to succeed are not limited by where they come from or their circumstances. 

TRIO Upward Bound

TRIO Upward Bound is a representative branch for the ASU Tempe and ASU West Valley campuses. Working directly with high school students, Upward Bound helps to prepare 200 first-generation and low-income students for college annually by providing them with resources, support and mentoring to succeed; i.e., tutoring, college entrance exam prep, counseling, summer programs, high-school-to-college transitionary programs, admission assistance, financial aid and much more.

TRIO delivers on its promise to help students achieve the academic future they want. Boasting an impressive 98% high school graduation rate and a 97% college enrollment rate, TRIO has seen significant success in its goal of sustained and holistic support. Alongside this, TRIO helps students become active within their communities with more than 3,000 hours of community service annually. 

Upward Bound’s reach spans multiple districts, supporting students across the valley. Currently, Upward Bound is serving students in the Phoenix Union High School District, Glendale Union High School District, Alhambra, Carl Hayden Community, César Chávez and Maryvale High Schools. 

TRIO Veterans Upward Bound

TRIO Veterans Upward Bound specializes in helping low-income and first-generation veterans chase their academic goals and transition into the college of their choice. This program not only helps veterans support their academic goals but also works to build skills such as financial literacy and career development. Working in Maricopa and northern Pinal County, Veteran Upward Bound helps serve 140 veterans annually to chase their goals of a postsecondary degree. 

For veterans who qualify for enrollment, TRIO requires no monetary expenses, allowing them to focus completely on the educational and professional impact of the program. This means free access to academic tutoring, online instruction, financial aid assistance, and much more. By offering free access, TRIO is working to create an environment where everyone can achieve academic success regardless of background and ability. 

Through TRIO Veteran Upward Bound, veteran students have seen a 70% improvement rate on standardized testing, and more than 55% of students enroll in a postsecondary program within a year of completing Veterans Upward Bound. 

TRIO Talent Search

TRIO Talent Search operates primarily in the Tolleson and Glendale Union High School Districts to provide low-income and first-generation students with resources to graduate high school and enroll in college. This program focuses on getting students college-ready through unique and enriching programs. TRIO Talent Search is applicable for students who attend Tolleson, La Joya, Sierra Linda, Copper Canyon, Westview, West Point, Glendale, Independence, Apollo and Cortez High School. 

While the Upward Bound programs have a strong focus on a postsecondary degree, Talent Search primarily focuses on ensuring that students get into a college of their choice. Talent Search ensures that students from underfunded districts and communities do not fall through the cracks and can receive the resources necessary to prepare them for college. Providing students with a college preparation plan and in-school activities, the program works to integrate college prep into the students' high-school experience to create a more seamless transition.

TRIO Talent Search has a wide array of resources available to students: tutoring, ACT/SAT prep, success strategy workshops, career mentorship and support,  financial literacy lessons, college campus visits, summer enrichment programs, college prep with FAFSA assistance, application and scholarship assistance, career exploration, etc. Whatever it may be, the TRIO Talent Search creates individualized plans for each student, making sure every student has access to what they need to be prepared for college. 

TRIO Student Support Services 
 
TRIO Student Support Services is dedicated to supporting current and future ASU undergraduates in achieving academic and career success. Student Support Services helps to create equitable opportunities for first-generation, low-income and disabled students at ASU. With around 820 students participating across four ASU campus locations, this branch is the largest TRIO program ASU offers. 

Student Support Services operates with many of the same benefits as other TRIO programs such as offering academic tutoring, scholarship assistance, hands-on workshops, etc. TRIO Student Support Services also provides additional resources to students on campus. Additional resources include specific study spaces, technological resources — like free printing and computer lab access — and admission to ASU’s spectacular cultural events. 

The impact of this program doesn’t just stop at helping students academically succeed. Having amassed 3,000 hours of community service, Student Support Services has also helped to engage students in areas outside of school. With workshops on career preparation, wellness, financial literacy and leadership, Student Support Services aims to prepare students for not just school but life afterward.