Southwestern Community College will join colleges and universities across the United States in celebrating the 40th annual National TRIO Day on Wednesday, Feb. 25, recognizing the impact of the Federal TRIO Programs and honoring the achievements of first-generation, income-eligible students, students with disabilities, and veterans pursuing higher education.
Established by Congress in 1986, National TRIO Day encourages communities to focus on educational access, academic persistence, and the power of college opportunity to change lives and strengthen the nation. This event celebrates the work of the Federal TRIO Programs, which were first created through the landmark Higher Education Act to remove barriers to postsecondary education.
“TRIO and GEAR UP students are scholars, problem-solvers, community builders, and future leaders,” said Dr. Barbara Putman, Executive Vice President for Instruction and Student Services at Southwestern. “National TRIO Day is our opportunity to celebrate their accomplishments, acknowledge their hard work, and reaffirm our commitment to ensuring every student has the support and resources to achieve their academic and career goals.”
As part of the celebration, Southwestern Community College is hosting a TRIO Day and GEAR UP reception. The event will bring together students, campus leaders, and community partners to highlight success stories, deepen public understanding of TRIO and GEAR UP’s mission, and promote a culture of educational opportunity.
“For 40 years, National TRIO Day has served as a powerful reminder that talent is universal, but opportunity is not,” said Kimberly Jones, president of the Council for Opportunity in Education (COE). “This milestone year honors the millions of students and alumni who have turned their dreams into degrees, careers, and lifelong contributions to their communities. As we celebrate this anniversary, we recommit ourselves to protecting and strengthening TRIO so future generations can continue to thrive.”
Southwestern Community College currently serves more than 200 students annually through the TRIO programs Upward Bound and Student Support Services. More than 600 students are served annually through the related GEAR UP network. TRIO programs provide academic guidance, tutoring, advising, mentoring, college readiness services, financial aid support, and career development opportunities for eligible students. Nationally, TRIO and GEAR UP serve more than 1 million individuals each year, including middle school, high school, and college students, adult learners, veterans, and graduate scholars.
National TRIO Day began in 1986 when Congress passed a resolution recognizing the Federal TRIO Programs and calling for a national day of celebration, community service, and advocacy in support of students who face systemic barriers to higher education. These programs have helped more than six million students earn college degrees.
For more information about TRIO services at Southwestern Community College, contact Dr. Mark Ellison, Dean of Students, at 828.339.4229.
