TRIO

The federal TRIO programs include eight programs targeted to serve and assist individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds, including low-income, first-generation college students and individuals with disabilities, to progress through the academic pipeline from middle school to post-baccalaureate programs.
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Student ServicesTRIO Overview

 

The TRIO Upward Bound program supports high school students in preparing for college and ensuring they graduate, while the TRIO Talent Search program, serving students in grades 6-12 at various local schools, offers academic, career, and college readiness services to help increase high school graduation and college enrollment rates.

 

Education Talent Search

TRIO Talent Search is a college preparatory program funded by the U.S. Department of Education servicing students in grades 6 through 12. The Talent Search program at Prairie State College provides services to students who attend Chicago Heights Middle School, Cottage Grove Upper Middle School, Rickover Junior High School, Bloom and Bloom Trail High Schools, and Southland College Preparatory High School. Talent Search aims to increase the chances of participants graduating from high school and enrolling in a postsecondary institution. TRIO Talent Search provides academic, career, and financial counseling, tutoring services, exposure to college campuses, and special activities for students in grades 6 through 8.
Eligibility
  • Student at Rich Township High School District 227 
  • Rising 9th-12th grade school students
  • Family meets the federal low-income guidelines (as defined by the U.S. Department of Education)
  • First-generation college student (neither parent has graduated from a four-year institution)
  • At risk academically
Contact

Lisa Pickens, Program Director
lpickens@prairiestate.edu
708-709-7917
Office: Room 1180

Brandon Kruel, Academic Advisor
bkruel@prairiestate.edu
708-709-3605
Office: Room 1180

Upward Bound

The TRIO Upward Bound program is a year-round support program for Rich Township High School students with the desire, motivation, and potential to complete school and pursue a college degree. The primary objective of the TRIO Upward Bound program is to ensure students graduate from high school and are prepared to obtain a post-secondary education at the institution of their choice. TRIO Upward Bound is free to all participants!
Eligibility
  • Student at Rich Township High School District 227 
  • Rising 9th-12th grade school students
  • Family meets the federal low-income guidelines (as defined by the U.S. Department of Education)
  • First-generation college student (neither parent has graduated from a four-year institution)
  • At risk academically
Contact Information

Isaiah R. Allen, II. Ph. D., Director
iallen2@prairiestate.edu
(708) 709-7936
Office: Room 1180

Troy Clark II, Coordinator
tclark3@prairiestate.edu 
(708) 709-3605
Office: Room 1180

Autumn Leak, Administrative Assistant
aleaks2@prairiestate.edu
(708) 709-3946
Office: Room 1180