UA’s Academic Achievement Programs honor achievement and opportunity on National TRIO Day

For thousands of University of Akron (UA) students who are the first in their families to pursue higher education, who are veterans going to college or who may face challenges related to income and disability, the University's Academic Achievement Programs (AAP) support their dreams of saying YES to a college degree.

UA's AAP, which are supported by what is known as the federal TRIO program, will join other colleges and universities across the country to celebrate the 40th annual National TRIO Day on Saturday, Feb. 28. This day recognizes the transformative impact of the TRIO programs and honors the achievements of students who have benefitted from the programs.

As part of the celebration, UA will host two programs that will bring together students, alumni, campus leaders, and community partners to highlight success stories, deepen public understanding of TRIO's mission and promote a culture of educational opportunity.

The AAP -- which are made up of the Educational Talent Search, Upward Bound Classic and Upward Bound Math and Science programs -- will hold a youth-focused event on Tuesday, Feb. 24, at UA's men's basketball game at James A. Rhodes Arena. The game starts at 7 p.m. and will include food and activities.

On Wednesday, Feb. 25, state and local elected officials, local school district representatives and others, will meet for a breakfast program to showcase TRIO testimonials and a TRIO panel discussion. Sonya Williams, a University of Akron alumna who now serves as the executive director of university outreach and engagement at Kent State University, will give a keynote address.

"TRIO students are scholars, problem-solvers, community builders and future leaders," said Dr. Sandie Crawford, director for Academic Achievement Programs at the University. "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."

UA currently serves more than 1,000 TRIO students. 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.

For more information about The University of Akron's National TRIO Day events or to learn more about TRIO services on campus, contact Crawford at [email protected] or 330-972-7496.

About the federal TRIO programs and National TRIO Day

Established by Congress in 1986, National TRIO Day encourages communities to focus on educational access, academic persistence and the power of college opportunity to change lives and strengthen the nation. These events celebrate the work of the Federal TRIO Programs, which were first created through the landmark Higher Education Act to remove barriers to postsecondary education.

National TRIO Day began in 1986 when Congress passed a resolution recognizing the Federal TRIO Programs and calling for a national day of celebration, community service, and advocacy in support of students who face systemic barriers to higher education. This year marks the 40th annual National TRIO Day and celebrates the legacy of programs that have helped more than six million students earn college degrees.

"For 40 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."

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