National TRIO Day celebrates support systems that turn potential into futures

Grand Valley's TRIO Upward Bound Detroit and TRIO Upward Bound Math-Science Detroit hosted the fourth annual National TRIO Day Celebration at Michigan Central and Newlab on February 19.

Adam Harris, director of TRIO Upward Bound Detroit, said TRIO scholars participated in plenary sessions and attended breakout sessions focused on mental health, financial literacy and more. Keynote speakers included community partners and a spotlight on the Divine Nine, the fraternities and sororities founded at Historically Black Colleges and Universities.

"Having the opportunity to partner with Michigan Central for National TRIO Day was truly an honor," Harris said. "To have our scholars a part of this ecosystem of tech start-ups and entrepreneurs will remind them of what is possible and help them to envision a new future for who they can be and become."

President Philomena V. Mantella and B. Donta Truss, vice president for Enrollment Development and College Futures, sent video greetings to participants at the Detroit celebration. Truss said the event "honors opportunity, access and a deep belief in students."

"Relationships are at the heart of this work," Truss said. "In TRIO, students are seen, supported and empowered."

Whitney Thomas, director of TRIO Upward Bound Math-Science, said: "National TRIO Day was an inspiring and energizing experience for our scholars, filled with reflection, growth and meaningful engagement. It was powerful to see the bright-eyed determination and genuine yearning in their spirits to become better as they learned more about themselves and their impact on the world around them."