Southern Illinois University Carbondale is recognizing Feb. 19-24 as TRIO Week, in keeping with the national celebration, to highlight the university’s three TRIO programs and the accomplishments of the hundreds of traditionally disadvantaged students these programs have helped.
SIU’s TRIO Programs include TRIO Student Support Services, Project Upward Bound and the McNair Scholars Program. Together these programs help students achieve success in high school, college and graduate school by providing tutoring, mentoring, workshops, financial literacy, undergraduate research and numerous other types of assistance. In addition, TRIO connects students with additional help through initiatives such as the Saluki Summer Bridge Program and the TRIO Achievers student organization.
“We look forward to sharing about and celebrating the transformational initiatives of TRIO as well as the amazing achievements of our students,” said Victoria Taylor, assistant director of TRIO Student Support Services.
Variety of activities planned
Diverse activities are happening during TRIO week. The week kicks off with a Grab and Go TRIO information session on Feb. 19 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Student Center Art Gallery. Visitors are invited to stop by and get information about the TRIO programs and talk to representatives.
Throughout the week, some events are educational in nature while others are focused on building a sense of community and one event is geared toward giving back to the community.
The schedule includes:
- TRIO Give Back: Children’s Book Drive to benefit local schools and afterschool programs. Tuesday, Feb. 20. Anyone may donate nice children’s books in collection bins located in Woody Hall, Room 214, or at the Multicultural Resource Center in the Student Services Building.
- TRIO Takeover: Join TRIO students and staff in cheering on the SIU men’s basketball team against Murray State at 7 p.m. at the Banterra Center.
- Optimal Mental Health: Strategies for Building Resilience at 5 p.m. Feb. 22 in Morris Library Room 752. This workshop will offer students tools and tips for building resilience to improve mental health.
- 23 is an all-day TRIO T-shirt parade as TRIO students, staff and supporters are encouraged to sport their favorite TRIO gear.
- The TRIO Day Student Conference on Feb. 24 at Eastern Illinois University is a time to celebrate and reflect on increased access to higher education and enhanced success for students from nontraditional backgrounds. The theme is “Leadership Development: Driven by Passion and Purpose.”
Additional information
TRIO Week sponsors include TRIO Programs, Student Support Services, Project Upward Bound, McNair Scholars, the Student Multicultural Resource Center and the Vice Chancellor for Anti-racism, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.
For more information about TRIO, the week or the many services the office provides, call 618-453-6973 or email triosss@siu.edu.
