WSU celebrates TRIO’s transformative impact

At Wayne State University, TRIO programs and college access initiatives play a vital role in supporting students across the educational pipeline, from middle school and high school through college graduation and graduate school preparation. Together, these federally funded programs reflect the university's long-standing commitment to educational equity, access and student success.

The campus community is invited to connect and learn more about the programs at WSU's TRIO Open House event on Feb. 25 at the David Adamany Undergraduate Library. The event aligns with National TRIO Day, celebrated annually on the last Saturday in February.

"With some of the oldest TRIO programs in the country, Wayne State University has long been a leader in advancing access and helping students from all walks of life access higher education. We're proud to celebrate the students, staff and leaders who make the promise of educational opportunity a reality every day," said Dr. Veronica Killebrew, director of Federal TRIO Programs at Wayne State. "In celebrating our successes, we also reaffirm our responsibility to protect and strengthen these programs so future generations of students can continue to benefit from the transformative power of TRIO."

In addition to celebrating TRIO's impact and legacy, the event will honor key milestones: WSU's Upward Bound Program will commemorate its 60th anniversary, and the Veterans Upward Bound Program will commemorate 52 years of service. They were among the first programs launched following the establishment of Federal TRIO Programs in 1964.

As part of National TRIO Day, WSU will also honor the work of leaders across campus and the community, like Dr. Rayven McMurray who serves as program coordinator for the Upward Bound Program - which boasts a high school graduation rate of 98% and postsecondary enrollment rate of 70% among participants - in addition to her role as president of the Michigan College Access Programs and Personnel (MI-CAPP). In these roles, McMurray works closely with high school students and families to expand access to higher education through academic support, mentorship and college readiness programming. McMurray also provides statewide leadership support for professionals working to advance education opportunity programs. TRIO Day will also be recognized at MI-CAPP's annual Student Leadership Summit, hosted Feb. 27 - March 1 in Lansing.

"Our purpose is rooted in advocacy, professional development and student leadership. We work to strengthen programs through policy engagement, training and collaboration," McMurray said. "At a time when access to higher education remains deeply unequal, we remain committed to ensuring TRIO programs are visible, valued and protected."

Wayne State University's TRIO and College Access Programs provide a comprehensive continuum of support designed to expand access to higher education and promote student success from middle school through doctoral study. Serving a wide range of learners - including middle and high school students, first-generation and low-income college students, students with disabilities, military veterans, and aspiring scholars - the programs deliver academic advising, college awareness, financial aid guidance, tutoring, mentoring and research opportunities. Through initiatives such as Educational Talent Search, Upward Bound, COE Upward Bound, MI-GEAR UP, Veterans Upward Bound, Student Support Services and its specialized tracks, and the McNair Scholars Program, Wayne State's TRIO and College Access Programs address barriers to postsecondary access, persistence and completion while building pathways to college, graduate education and lifelong achievement.

Learn more about WSU's TRIO and college access programs online.