Formal Analysis on the TRiO Program at UNT

Francisco Rivera, Aidan DeMuth, Jason Campbell, Van Liam

TECM1700:011
November 24, 2014

Introduction:
There are many programs at UNT that help under privileged students attend college. TRiOs is
one of the main programs that helps these students. By providing scholarships based on
academic success, financial need and leadership experience, TRiOs continues to help students
succeed beyond their college careers.

Background:
Established in 1980, the UNT TRiO program is funded under Title IV the Higher Education Act
of 1965 to help low income American students attend college. When it was established, there
were six TRiO programs that were created, each with a unique characteristics to fit the needs of
the students.

On site visit:
Map:

Trio offices are located on the second floor of sage hall

Contact information:
Webpage: www.trio.unt.edu
Email: trio@unt.edu
Phone number: 940-565-2090

Facilities:

Staff/Faculty:
Faculty name:
Anne Strong
Dianne Baskin
Beverly Maloney
Rodney Mitchell
Eva Lozano
Susan Torrey
Diana Elrod, Ph.D.
Rebekah Samaniego
Rosa Fonseca

Job position:
Director of Upward bound math and science
Director of counseling
Trio talent search director
Director of Upward bound
Assistant Director of Upward bound
Student Specialist of Upward Bound
Director of the Mcnair program
Technical Editor for the Mcnair Scholars
Scholar Advisor for the Mcnair Scholars

Interview:
We interviewed Martika Jacobs, a student leader in TriO. She was very capable and answered all
of our questions very well.

Results:
We began our interview by asking Mrs. Jacobs what TriO was and what the requirements were
to join, she said TriO is a government funded program created to promote academics and to
give academic support to new college students. In addition she said To get enrolled in the
programs you need to be a first generation college student, currently attend UNT, and are
permanent residents. We then asked how the different scholars fit into the program. Mrs. Jacobs
replied All of the student are on the same standing but freshman are required to attend tutoring
and or grade watchers. Our third question gained a similar answer to the first but Mrs. Jacobs
did add that we are selective in who we pick because we are government funded. We then
asked what facilities are available to TriO, We have our own offices on the second floor of sage
hall. These offices have a computer lab and a tutoring center for current scholars, we also have
Clark hall for Emerald Eagle scholars. Our final question was what do graduates of the TRiO
programs gain that normal graduates dont? Jacobs replied, Our scholars gain valuable
networking and support for their pursuits in graduate school, as well as scholarships and a
support base that they will use for the rest of their lives.

Conclusion:
Overall, TRiO is not only a great program, but also an opportunity for under-privileged students
to receive financial support on the UNT campus. This program helps build a future for students
who, without TRiOs help, couldnt afford to stay in school, or even attend, and that is the sole
purpose of TRiO, to aid those in need. The academic support is another great thing about being a
part of the TRiO program; if a student struggles, that student can go to SSS (Student Support
Services) and seek help or tutoring. As the organization stands, it would be a great decision if
TRiO is a consideration in anybodys choice of scholarships or financial aid (if eligible),

References:
Martika, Jones(November 24th, 2014).