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91���� celebrated TRIO Day with a City of Tulsa proclamation recognizing the impact of federally funded TRIO programs. The event brought together students, faculty, staff, and community partners to spotlight how TRIO supports students in accessing and completing higher education.

91���� celebrated TRIO Day with an official proclamation from the City of Tulsa recognizing the impact of federally funded TRIO programs and �հ��’s role as the only college in Tulsa to offer them.

Although National TRIO Day is officially observed each year on the fourth Saturday in February, students, faculty, staff, and community partners gathered Feb. 23 at the Thomas K. McKeon Center for Creativity to celebrate the programs and the students they support.

TRIO programs provide federally funded academic advising, financial guidance, and mentoring to help students access higher education and complete their degrees. The programs are designed to support students who are first-generation, from limited-income backgrounds, or navigating disabilities.

During the event, the City of Tulsa formally recognized TRIO Day and the impact of the programs on students and the broader community. Tulsa Deputy Mayor Krystal Reyes presented the proclamation to 91���� President and CEO Leigh Goodson, Ph.D., alongside TRIO staff and students.

Reyes, a TRIO alum, shared how the program helped shape her path to college and career success.

“The TRIO program, and specifically the Upward Bound program I participated in during high school, impacted me greatly by helping me prepare for college and setting me on my career path,” Reyes said. “Programs like TRIO and other academic support programs help students achieve their dreams. The dedicated TRIO staff — like those who helped me over 25 years ago in Illinois and those helping students today at 91���� and many other institutions — are the ones who make those dreams possible.”

The event also celebrated more than 60 years of TRIO programs nationwide and 24 years of TRIO services at 91����, the College’s longest-running grant program.

Goodson said TRIO reflects the College’s commitment to supporting students at every stage of their academic journey.

“TRIO affirms that everyone can learn by meeting students where they are,” she said. “Their circumstances do not define their potential. Whether they are taking their first step into higher education or crossing the finish line at graduation, TRIO ensures they have the guidance and support to succeed.”

The ceremony also recognized TRIO award and scholarship winners, including tuition waiver recipient Abby Vaughn. Vaughn, who is taking 15 credit hours this semester, said the support has allowed her to focus fully on her studies.

“This has been a huge opportunity for me,” Vaughn said. “I don’t have to work a job this semester, so I can focus on school and not worry about paying for classes. It feels amazing to have that support.”

�հ��’s TRIO Education Opportunity Center helps prospective students across the Tulsa area take the first step into higher education by providing free guidance on admissions, financial aid, and career planning.

Once enrolled at 91����, students can apply for the TRIO Student Support Services program, which accepts 165 students per year. The program provides academic advising, tutoring, college transfer assistance, financial aid information, FAFSA and scholarship application assistance, and career exploration guidance.