WATERVILLE, MAINE, February 2022 — Students from Thomas College will participate in the 2022 National TRIO Day of Service on Saturday, February 26, to express appreciation to the community for its support of the TRIO programs. For millions of students from low-income families who strive to be the first in their families to attend and graduate from college, seven federally funded programs called TRIO are making a world of difference.
TRIO is the first set of federal programs to address the profound social, economic, and cultural barriers to higher education in the United States.
This year, TRIO Student Support Services (TRIO) at Thomas College is celebrating National TRIO Day by volunteering at the Indigo Arts Alliance, a nonprofit organization in Portland that promotes the artistic development of people of African descent through community-building and mentorship opportunities. TRIO students will also have National TRIO Day trivia and candy at a table in front of the program space in the Alfond Academic Center for any Thomas community members who would like to learn more about the day and its significance.
In past years, TRIO has celebrated National TRIO Day by serving the local community through projects such as a reading day on-campus for children, volunteering at Woodlands Senior Living in Waterville, and food drives. TRIO has also raised awareness of National TRIO Day through spirit weeks, tabling, and flyers.
Thomas College received its first TRIO Student Support Services grant in 2015 and provides individualized success coaching, cultural and educational events, leadership and service initiatives, graduate school application assistance, extended academic opportunities, and grant aid to participating students. Since its inception, the program has served over 400 Thomas students, many of whom are now Thomas alumni working in communities in Maine and beyond. Funded for a second time in 2020, TRIO serves 140 students annually with a budget of $259,491. To learn more, visit Thomas.edu/trio.
“We are most looking forward to raising awareness about the achievements of TRIO students and of educational opportunity programs among members of the Thomas community. TRIO is fortunate to have widespread support at Thomas College, and we hope to continue building off that energy to advance our mission, which is to cultivate an inclusive atmosphere for eligible students by inspiring personal achievements, fostering community, and advocating for participants,” says TRIO Director at Thomas College, Cote Theriault.
In addition to student financial aid programs which help students overcome financial hurdles to higher education, the TRIO programs recognize the importance of overcoming all barriers to success. For more than 50 years, they have been providing valuable supportive services to help first-generation students and students from low-income families, veterans, and students with disabilities enter and graduate from college.
Since 1986, TRIO programs have celebrated National TRIO Day on the fourth Saturday of February to highlight the achievements and needs of first-generation, modest-income students and to recognize TRIO programs for promoting educational opportunity in the United States.
TRIO SSS is 100% funded by the U.S. Department of Education ($259,491 annually).
About Thomas College: Thomas College has been preparing students for success in their personal and professional lives for over 125 years. Thomas College nurtures the unique potential within each student. Our Guaranteed Job Program, 3-year accelerated offerings in all undergraduate degrees, individualized advising, career counseling, and our Innovation Centers in Business and Education meet a student’s determination to succeed with the direction, confidence, and tools to realize the highest version of themselves. Our graduate degree offerings fit your lifestyle ranging from in-person and on-campus to 100% online degree programs. From the classroom to community activities, or on the athletics field with our 19 varsity sports, Thomas College provides a personalized experience that prepares you for the workplace of tomorrow. U.S. News & World Report ranks us #1 among colleges in Maine and #10 in the Northeast for social mobility of our graduates. For more information, visit www.thomas.edu or contact MacKenzie Riley Young at pr@thomas.edu or 207-859-1313. Find us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.