Submitted

North Central Missouri College will join colleges and universities across the United States in celebrating the 40th annual National TRIO Day on Saturday, February 28, 2026, recognizing the transformative impact of the Federal TRIO Programs and honoring the achievements of first-generation, income-eligible students, students with disabilities, and veterans pursuing higher education.

Established by Congress in 1986, National TRIO Day encourages focus on educational access, academic persistence, and the power of college opportunity to change lives and strengthen the nation. This event celebrates the work of the Federal TRIO Programs, which were first created through the landmark Higher Education Act to remove barriers to postsecondary education. This year marks the fortieth annual National TRIO Day and celebrates the legacy of programs that have helped more than six million students earn college degrees.

As part of the celebration, North Central Missouri College’s TRIO Programs will host a series of events and recognition for each program, bringing together students, alumni, campus leaders, and community partners to highlight success stories, deepen public understanding of TRIO’s mission, and promote educational opportunity.

“TRIO students are scholars, problem-solvers, community builders, and future leaders, with GRIT, persistence and determination” said Cindy Wells, Director for NCMC Talent Search. “National TRIO Day is our opportunity to celebrate their accomplishments, acknowledge their hard work, and reaffirm our commitment to ensuring every student has the support and resources to achieve their academic and career goals.” said Tocarra Williams, Director of NCMC Student Support Services and Upward Bound.

“For forty years, National TRIO Day has served as a powerful reminder that talent is universal, but opportunity is not,” said Kimberly Jones, president of the Council for Opportunity in Education (COE). “This milestone year honors the millions of students and alumni who have turned their dreams into degrees, careers, and lifelong contributions to their communities. As we celebrate this anniversary, we recommit ourselves to protecting and strengthening TRIO so future generations can continue to thrive.”

North Central Missouri College currently serves over 700 TRIO students through Student Support Services, Talent Search and Upward Bound. TRIO programs provide academic guidance, tutoring, advising, mentoring, college readiness services, financial aid support, and career development opportunities for eligible students. Nationally, TRIO serves more than 800,000 individuals each year, including middle school, high school, and college students, adult learners, veterans, and graduate scholars.