TRiO is providing a helping hand for college students

Valley College’s program is providing helpful services to ease the pressure off students.

By Elvin Gonzalez, Staff Writer

Valley College’s TRiO program is helping first-generation students become successful by providing reliable resources.

The program offers a lot of services for its students such as counseling, tutoring and help with college applications. For new students to qualify, they have to be low-income, first-generation college students according to applicant requirements. TRiO is partnered with the Latino Book Fund, which is a nonprofit organization that offers scholarships to help provide students to get up to $400 a semester for books.

Julia Mendoza, director of the TRiO program, is always welcoming new students that are looking for guidance to be successful community college students. The program is always accepting applications. They also have tutors available that will help students improve grades and boost their grade point average. With final exams just around the corner, students in the program have access to tutoring at no cost. Students have the option to work in groups or have hour-long one on one sessions through appointment or walk-in.

TRiO Workshops have numerous workshops such as resume writing, transfer tips and anxiety workshops. These workshops are essential resources for students to become successful in their classes.

“We try to encourage our students to attend workshops,” said Mendoza during a phone call.

The program also offers assistance for students trying to decide what college they want to apply to and what factors play in the decision-making process. Students in the program go on field trips to visit universities which gives them a feel for the campus and what programs they have to offer at no cost.

“Students should be honest with themselves and know what they want out of a college,” said Mendoza.

The TRiO program can help take off stress that comes with being a full or part-time college student. The ultimate goal at TRiO is to get students through college and transfer to a four-year university. If students decide not to go to college, they also help them look for employment once they are done earning their associates degree. Students can access these services by going to TRiO’s website and applying, or they can email and set up an appointment through video chat. The program is accepting applications from now through mid-August for new students who will be attending Valley.