Eastern’s TRiO Program is one of 59 programs in Washington state funded under the federal Higher Education Act of 1965. The program serves low-income, minority and first generation students with academic support while at EWU.

“We work hard to ensure students are served to [the] best of our abilities and that our level of support is exceptional and individualized,” said Carmen Perez-Frayne, EWU director of TRiO Student Support Services in an email.

The TRiO Programs of Washington State website said U.S. Congress created the TRiO Program “to help low-income Americans enter college, graduate and move on to participate more fully in America’s economic and social life.” Data in 2014 shows the Eastern TRiO Program was awarded $376,585 in grant funds.

The federal grant runs in five-year cycles. Perez-Frayne said her team is working with various student services departments preparing for the 2015 grant renewal process. The new grant cycle “presents an opportunity to be innovative and make some adjustments to the program to better serve our students,” Perez-Frayne said.

The Eastern TRiO SSS provides three services: Focus First Year, STEM Scholars and TRiO Transfer Program.

The EWU TRiO SSS webpage lists each program being focused on a specific demographic of students. Focus First Year works with freshmen transitioning from high school to college; STEM Scholars is focused on freshmen specifically studying science, technology, engineering and math; and the TRiO Transfer Program serves Eastern transfer students.

TRiO helped employee and Eastern student Isabel Bahena by “having a steady adviser … most students don’t get to connect with their adviser because they get a new one each quarter.” Bahena said her favorite part of working for TRiO is  “interacting with the students and feeling more involved.”

TRiO student Sarai Rios said, “They’re basically there to help you with resources.” Rios said her TRiO adviser helped her plan social work courses and supports her when she is stressed about classes.

“I feel like TRiO gives you a family away from home,” said Chantel Ramirez, TRiO staff member.