From First-Gen to First-of-Many: How TRIO Changes What’s Possible

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From First-Gen to First-of-Many: How TRIO Changes What’s Possible

TRIO programs open college pathways for students who are first-generation, low-income, and from groups historically excluded from higher education

December 19, 2025 by EdTrust-Louisiana

Hispanic college student posing for a portrait outside of a building labeled "Student Center" on a college campus

TRIO programs open college pathways for students who are first-generation students, students from low-income backgrounds, and students who have been historically excluded from higher education. For Keiara Skipper, TRIO began with her grandmother’s encouragement at age 13 and became a community of mentors, accountability, and step-by-step support. Today, Skipper’s paying it forward, by helping students build the literacy, confidence, and habits that fuel long-term success.

Hear from Keiara Skipper and her mentor from her TRIO program on why this program is important for Louisiana students and students across the country.

What Are TRIO Programs?

TRIO is a set of federally funded college access and success programs that help students prepare for, enroll in, and complete postsecondary education. Programs vary by grade level and need, but often include:

Academic enrichment and tutoring (Saturdays, after school, and summer)
College knowledge (application support, financial aid help, FAFSA completion)
Test preparation (ACT/SAT) and advising
Campus immersion (summer bridge, dorm living, study skills)
Mentoring & counseling (goalsetting, accountability, social-emotional supports)

Why TRIO Works

Belonging before arrival: Programs offer early campus experiences and caring mentors make college feel familiar, not foreign
Structured accountability: TRIO provides report cards, check-ins, and goalsetting build habits that last through college and into careers
Barrier removal: TRIO helps with fees, FAFSA, and first-summer coursework to help students with hurdles that prevent too many students from achieving postsecondary education
Persistence to completion: Students don’t just enroll, they finish, and they pay it forward in their families and communities

Read Keiara’s Op-Ed

Read more about Keiara Skipper’s experience in her TRIO program and what needs to be done to ensure that more students can participate.

Photo by Allison Shelley/Complete College Photo Library

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From First-Gen to First-of-Many: How TRIO Changes What’s Possible