TRIO Student Support Services

First-generation college student

(neither parent/legal guardian has earned a four-year bachelor's degree)

Financial need 

that meets income guidelines (as defined by the Department of Education)

Documented physical or learning disability

(and receive services from the Access and Disability Resource Center at Oakton)
Oakton TRIO student decorating a graduation cap.

How Do I Join TRIO?

To learn more about TRIO, email trio@oakton.edu or fill out a TRIO Interest Form below. A member of our team will reach out to answer any questions and assist you through the application.

TRIO has offices on both campuses in the Learning Center (Skokie Room A200) or Des Plaines Enrollment Center (Des Plaines Room 2900).

Fill Out a TRIO Interest Form

TRIO student working with a professor.

TRIO Events

Be a part of the fun! TRIO students are encouraged to get involved with the community. There are on-campus events, as well as fieldtrips. Recent opportunities have included:

  • Chicago Architecture Boat Tour
  • Hamilton, the hit musical
  • Museum of Science and Industry 
  • A leadership development conference in Orlando, FL

Learn more about TRIO Events

TRIO Services

As a TRIO participant, you'll have access to the following services.
TRIO advisors provide academic guidance to help you select courses to complete an associate degree at Oakton or transfer to a four-year college or university. TRIO staff also can help you develop effective study strategies and explore career and major options.
You can get assistance exploring options at four-year colleges and universities, arranging visits to open houses and completing financial aid and college applications. TRIO staff may accompany you to meet admission representatives and department chairs at nearby institutions. You will be able to go on yearly, organized trips to visit in-state public and private colleges and universities.
Applying for financial assistance to help pay for college can seem overwhelming. TRIO advisors will take the mystery out of financial aid paperwork by helping you complete the FAFSA and other financial aid forms required for federal and state assistance. In addition, advisors will assist you in researching and applying for various scholarships. Involved and qualified TRIO students are eligible for TRIO-specific scholarships on a yearly basis.
TRIO collaborates with campus partners to host a series of workshops and provide individual consultations for you to enhance your knowledge of attitudes, behaviors and skills necessary to be successful in college. If you're eligible, TRIO offers a one-time, three-credit tuition waiver in a COL 101, CIS 101 or three of the four credits for CIS 103. These courses may assist you in further developing college success skills or computer literacy necessary to support your success.
All tutoring is available through Oakton’s Learning Center. Additionally, TRIO students will have access to remote tutoring services provided by TutorMe.com.

If you need assistance working with or accessing technology, TRIO will provide support. Oakton can also provide mobile WiFi and/or chromebooks for students' remote learning. Learn more about renting technology here.

TRIO Members by the Numbers

201 TRIO members in 2022-2023
81 % Persisted from semester to semester
81 % Were in good academic standing
Steve Aguilar
"TRIO is more than student advising. We help with academic planning, offer guidance through academic probation and suspension, help with transferring and provide college and personal financial literacy education through workshops. We pride ourselves on being a one-stop-shop for first-generation college students, students from low-income households and students with documented disabilities."

Steve Aguilar

TRIO Student Support Services Advisor

TRIO Interest Form

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)