Feb. 22, 2017

Events highlight federal programs that aid low-income and first-generation college students

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In recognition of National TRIO Day, the Central Virginia TRIO Alliance will hold a weeklong series of events to highlight the benefits of federal programs that help low-income and first-generation students enter and excel in college. The events will include an informational fair at Virginia Commonwealth University for area service workers.

National TRIO Day, held each February, aims to celebrate the positive impact of federal TRIO programs in communities while reflecting on the importance of educational opportunity programs in creating a fair society. The event also encourages action on protecting and providing access to higher education for low-income and first-generation students. Participants nationwide include high school and college students, teachers, members of Congress, local officials, TRIO program staff, TRIO program participants and alumni, and many others.

The Central Virginia TRIO Alliance, which includes VCU, Virginia Union University, Virginia State University and Rappahannock Community College, will kick off its recognition of National TRIO Day with a visit by the CVTA students and staff to the General Assembly on Feb. 28. This event will be an opportunity for current TRIO students to share stories of program effectiveness and the needs of underrepresented populations in higher education to Virginia’s house delegates and representatives. Later in the afternoon, this kickoff event will conclude with a community service project with the St. Andrews School after-school program located at 227 S. Cherry St., in Richmond.

Other events include:

  • On March 2 on the campus of Virginia Union, the CVTA will host a discussion on “Higher Education and the Urban Student: Race, Culture, and Economics.” 
  • On the campus of VCU on March 3, from 4–5 p.m. in Academic Learning Commons Room 1105, the TRIO Educational Opportunity Program will host an informational fair for area service workers.
  • On March 4, on the campus of Virginia State University, the CVTA will conclude the week with a town hall meeting with local congressional representatives as well as other local elected Central Virginia officials. The town hall will be an opportunity to hear from the local elected officials on their thoughts on the vitality of TRIO programs and a host of issues central to the access to higher education for the underrepresented populations that TRIO programs serve.