Submitted

North Central Missouri College proudly celebrated the 40th Annual National TRIO Day, observed each February, with a week of events highlighting academic and career growth while honoring the impact of federally funded TRIO programs and the students they serve.

NCMC is home to three of the eight Federal TRIO programs: Upward Bound (est. 1999), Student Support Services (est. 2001), and Talent Search (est. 2021). Established under the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964 and later expanded through the Higher Education Act, TRIO programs were among the first national college access and retention initiatives in the United States. These programs are designed to remove barriers to higher education for first-generation college students, students from limited-income backgrounds, and students with disabilities.

Through services such as academic advising, tutoring, mentoring, financial aid guidance, transfer support, and career exploration, TRIO programs empower students to persist, graduate, and pursue meaningful academic and professional pathways.

This year’s theme, “Academic and Career Growth,” was brought to life through an interactive display on the NCMC main campus. In Geyer Hall, TRIO programs created a large tree display symbolizing growth and opportunity. The leaves represented both current TRIO students and first-generation college graduates among NCMC faculty and staff — honoring those who paved the way while celebrating those continuing the journey.

The display also recognized the federal TRIO legislation that makes these life-changing programs possible and highlighted the personal and educational journeys of participants across generations.

As a service project to reflect the theme of growth, Student Support Services and Upward Bound students created pollinator seed pods to give back to the community. The project emphasized sustainability and reinforced the idea that growth extends beyond the classroom.

In addition, the Upward Bound program hosted a student panel featuring Student Support Services participants who shared their experiences transitioning into the college environment. Upward Bound also welcomed a guest presenter who spoke about careers in conservation and biology, providing students with insight into academic pathways and professional opportunities in the natural sciences.

The Talent Search program in St. Joseph celebrated National TRIO Day at its target high schools by highlighting how “sweet” it is to be a first-generation college student. Staff set up information tables to share resources and guidance about the pathway to higher education while connecting with students and providing a candy bar or sweet treat to recognize their first-generation journeys.