Mentoring, Partnering, and Follow-Through

Abstract

TRIO programs partner with low-income, first-generation, and/or students with disabilities to address academic and personal challenges, as well as social capital deficits that can cause students to struggle with feelings of isolation and a lack of belonging to the university community. This can place students at risk for leaving academia prematurely. The chapter will discuss the history of TRIO programs and the development of the eight specific programs currently available to students. Barriers to student social and educational success will be discussed, specifically intersectionality of oppression, the hidden curriculum, and lack of cultural humility by faculty and administrators. TRIO programs provide various services to students that have been found to be highly successful with student retention rates, academic performance, and increased self-efficacy. The chapter will discuss TRIO staff characteristics, needed administrative and faculty support, and university community buy-in for overall success. The chapter includes TRIO student and staff member testimonies.