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.
Office: Room 1180
- Student Support Services
- Educational Talent Search
- Upward Bound
Student Support Services
TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) is a support system for Prairie State College
(PSC) students. Students can network with other students and receive additional institutional
support. TRIO's goal is to assist, retain, and graduate participants annually. Our
advisors are committed to the success of their students.
Students in the SSS program work directly with staff to develop a plan for degree completion. Engagement and support services include:
- 4-year college/university campus visits
- Academic Advising and educational planning
- Career exploration
- Tutoring services
- Transfer advising & assistance
- Academic, professional, & personal development workshops
- Computer, Internet, and FREE printing
- Financial aid and economic literacy
- Scholarships/Grant Aid for eligible participants*
- Cultural activities and enrichment events
- A space supportive of first-generation, low-income, and individuals with disabilities
- First-generation college student (neither parent has graduated from a four-year institution) or
- Family meets the federal low-income guidelines (as defined by the U.S. Department of Education) or
- Have a physical or learning disability
- Have an academic need
General TRIO SSS email: psctriosss@prairiestate.edu
Aundrea Wilder
Director
708-709-7946
Nailah Cartman
Advisor
708-202-9387
Fatmah Tommalieh
Writing Tutor
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.
- 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
Lisa Pickens
Program Director
708-709-7917
Brandon Kruel
Academic Advisor
708-709-3605
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!
- 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
Jimmie Sanders
Director
(708) 709-7936
Jessica Watson
Program Coordinator
(708) 709-3605