Denzel Pennix, Staff Writer
Moraine Valley offers an extensive amount of resources for students to succeed in whatever their mission might be. The TRIO programs are particularly beneficial, because they offer many in-house resources, all in one place.
The first branch in the TRIO program is know as TRIO Student Support Services. For qualifying college students, helpful benefits are offered like a computer lab with free printing, help with college applications, the four-year college transfer process, resume writing assistance, job application assistance, scholarship writing assistance, financial aid questions or issues, personal support for difficult situations, and help with any other questions or concerns. In general, a student needs to be a first-generation college student, or have demonstrated a need for academic support (i.e. being placed in a developmental course), economically disadvantaged, or have a documented learning disability. To check qualification status, students are encouraged to stop by the TRIO office in S219, to complete an application.
The second branch of the TRIO program is called the TRIO Educational Talent Search. The mission in this program is to motivate youth to remain in school, achieve academic excellence, and be college bound students. Moraine Valley heads the program at four middle schools, Kellar, Kerr, Veterans Memorial, and Nathan Hale; and two district high school, Eisenhower and Richards. This program offers services like Academic Advising, career exploration, college application assistance, cultural enrichment field trips, job shadowing, family workshops, and re-entry assistance. Although this program focuses on youth, adults seeking re-entry into the college world and that could utilize these services may qualify and are encouraged to apply. Please call (708) 608-4026 with any questions.
The third branch of TRIO program is known as TRIO Upward Bound. This is the most immersive of the three programs. It is federally funded and includes a 6-week summer program where students are instructed in core disciplines like math, English, and science. It prepares high school students up until their acceptance into a college or university. Services included that are unique to this TRIO program are: ACT/SAT preparation, college tours, mentoring, senior bridge program, personal development and wellness, a Saturday academic academy, monthly stipends, and the six-week summer program. Students and parents must fill out an application and turn in necessary documents to begin the admission process. The application can be picked up from the Eisenhower counseling office, or in the TRIO office at MVCC. The documents include: two recommendations, one from a math, science, or English teacher, and one from a school counselor; Unofficial copy of the high school transcript or most recent grades if a ninth grade student; and parents’ income tax form, or proof of income if taxes were not filed. All documents and a completed application need to be turned in in the Eisenhower High School counseling office, or at the Upward Bound office. Eligible applicants will be selected for a student/parent interview. Please call Misty Williams, Upward Bound director at (708) 608-4145 with any further questions.
The TRIO programs are here to ensure that students are successful in their collegiate careers and embody the mission statement of Moraine Valley Community College.
Denzel T. Pennix can be contacted at pennixd@student.morainevalley.edu
