The University of Guam’s TRiO program is a federally funded non-profit organization designed for students from disadvantaged backgrounds. More specifically students that are first-generation college bound, or low-income families.
The TRiO program is comprised of three divisions: the Educational Talent Search, Upward Bound and Student Support Services.
The Educational Talent Search, or ETS, caters to students in grades eighth through 12.
“ETS helps students transition to college level and helps them get scholarships towards their university of choice,” said Diana Cruz, Office Clerk of ETS.
“One student was able to get a full ride scholarship to Georgetown,” Cruz added.
ETS offers a variety of free academic services, guidance and assistance in areas concerning student success.
However, to qualify for these services, students must be either first generation of college student, low income and have no disabilities.
TRiO Upward Bound
TRiO’s UB is a college prep program that focuses on helping high schoolers graduate by providing academic support, services and financial guidance.
Students who come from low income families, are at risk of failing or to be first-generation college students are all qualified to join the program.
Rowena Andrade is an Upward Bound alumnus who is now the current director.
According to Andrade, the program has been around since 1960 until UOG started hosting it in 1989.
“Our program offers tutoring services open to public high school students; we also have a summer program that helps with ACT & SAT test mastery,” Andrade said.
On top of the bi-weekly tutoring and activities Upward Bound offers help with college and financial aid applications.
“We will sit down with our students and guide them throughout the financial aid process,” Andrade said.
When it comes to college readiness UB helps students prepare for their college of choice.
Unlike ETS, Upward Bound meets with students more frequently after school and weekends.
Vivian Valdez, a UB teacher, said UB prepares students for college conditional readiness, such as life skills for independent living like learning to wash clothes.
“It is a life changing program,” Valdez said.
Unfortunately, the program is limited to 103 students.
TRiO Student Support Services
TRiO SSS offers academic tutoring for UOG students in Math and English. The program also offers advisement for FAPSA and school scheduling. However, these programs are only limited towards first generation students, low income or students with disabilities.
Roy Marasigan is an educational specialist in English at the Student Support Services office.
“We hold workshops and do activities like fieldtrips to the Guam Museum, GRMC Hospital and will even do on location tutoring,” Marasigan said.
, “Our objective is to inspire and motivate college going students to persist their degree with a positive attitude towards academics,” Marasigan said.
The Student Support Services program also offers supplemental grant aid aimed towards low income students.
“Students are allegeable of up to $1000 however they must maintain a certain grade point average,” Marasigan said.
UOG TRiO’s mission is to motivate and assist disadvantaged students throughout the community in Micronesia, ensuring progress in their academic careers throughout middle-school, high-school and college.