First-generation students often face unique challenges, including navigating unfamiliar academic environments and financial pressures without family experience to rely on.

TRIO Student Support Services is a federally-funded access, retention and opportunity program that strives to assist students in overcoming generational, structural and systemic barriers to accessing and completing higher education.

The Department of Education administers federal funding for TRIO Student Support Services at Utica University, according to the program’s associate director Emily Mixon, and students can get assistance and a sense of belonging from programs such as TRIO. 

TRIO was developed in the 1960s and offers resources such as scholarships, graduate school funding, extra networking opportunities on campus and more.

“ A common obstacle first year generation students face is they do not have a close grown up to help and need to prove themselves all the time,” Mixon said.  “It feels like a lot of pressure.”

Mixon was a first-generation college student and a member of TRIO. Mixon said attending college can completely change a student, which pulls them apart from their family. 

“I have a supportive and loving grandfather but he did not see the value of college because he has been a blue collar worker and able to support family that way,” Mixon said. “He did not know what that meant because it was unfamiliar to him. My father feels like I am too intelligent to talk to.” 

Mixon said she still keeps in touch with her former college professors, TRIO staff members and friends because they provide a space for in-depth conversations and to celebrate achievements that her family may not fully understand.

Mixon said TRIO is currently looking for more first year students to join. 

“If any first year students come from a low income background or whose parents do not have a bachelor degree award, get in touch with us because this program might be a good fit for you,” Mixon said. 

TRIO will hold a workshop in October to help students prepare for graduate school. Mixon said the number of seats are limited for this event and anyone interested should contact the office. 

“Our TRIO students are amazing and always amazing in their own unique ways,” Mixon said. “They bring so many things to the table and the value that they add to the campus as a whole we would miss that if we do not have programs like TRIO that could support them in staying here, completing their degree and making the most out of their education. I am glad that we have the privilege as TRIO professionals to help them do that. I feel honored to be a part of their journey and support in whatever way I can.”

Greg Caloia, the director of Student Success, is a Utica alumnus and a first-generation college student. Caloia encourages students to utilize TRIO because he did not have that opportunity as a college student. He leaned on the faculty and football team for support throughout his college journey. 

The Student Success office is one of the university’s resources designed to help both first-generation students and all other students. The office is dedicated to helping students transition from high school to college and encourages them to succeed in higher education.

  “If you are ever unsure about things, you can always come to the Student Success office and let us know what you need,” Caloia said. “We will get you connected with the right person on campus so that you have the resources that you need.” 

For more information about TRIO, visit https://www.utica.edu/directory/trio. The TRIO office is located 111 Hubbard Hall. Information about the office of Student Success can be found at https://www.utica.edu/directory/student-success. The office is located in 177 Hubbard Hall.