TRIO Student Support Services

TRIO Student Support Services is a unique resource designed to assist eligible students.

As a participant in the TRIO program, you will have free access to academic course selection and advising, transfer guidance, financial guidance and college success strategies, all designed to answer the questions and meet the needs of students like you. Students who participate in TRIO are more than twice as likely to achieve their academic goals.

To qualify for TRIO, you must meet one or more of the following requirements:

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)
You will work one-on-one with a TRIO advisor who will serve as your primary contact point and source of information on goal setting, course selection, transfer assistance, career and major exploration and financial aid. As long as you remain in good standing and are enrolled in classes at Oakton, you are eligible for TRIO services until you graduate or transfer.

You will also be required to participate in two TRIO- or Oakton-sponsored events and meet with your TRIO advisor at least twice a semester. The first meeting should occur within three weeks of the semester beginning, and the second should occur prior to registering for your next semester.

Contact TRIO at trio@oakton.edu to set up a time to meet with a staff member.
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

About TRIO

TRIO Programs are a set of college opportunity programs funded by the U.S. Department of Education thatTRIO Support Services logo motivate and support students from different backgrounds in their pursuit of a college degree. More than 850,000 low-income, first-generation students and students with disabilities from sixth grade through college graduation are served by more than 2,000 programs nationwide. 

TRIO at Oakton

The mission of TRIO at Oakton College is to provide comprehensive support that empowers eligible students to overcome academic, economic and social barriers to obtaining educational success. TRIO at Oakton has been in existence since 1990 and works closely with students to ensure that those who are first-generation, qualified income and/or have a disability reach their full academic potential

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

TRIO will assist you as you seek financial assistance (FAFSA, scholarships, loans, and referrals) for college. TRIO cannot pay for your college expenses but can help you figure out the process.

No. TRIO collaborates with Oakton's Access and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) staff to understand the accommodations available to students who have a documented disability but does not provide accommodations directly. Contact the ADRC to request accommodations.

Any changes in student status (dropping classes, or taking off a semester) should be immediately discussed with your TRIO advisor to determine your continued eligibility for the program.

Your TRIO advisor should be your primary academic advisor. TRIO advisors provide individual support to students and will work with you to ensure you are on the path to your educational goals.

Paying for College and Financial Literacy

Scholarship Search websites:

Selecting Courses and Transferring

Performing Better in Classes

Exploring Careers and Majors

Getting Involved on Campus

TRIO Staff Contact Information

For General Questions Contact:
trio@oakton.edu

Steve Aguilar
TRIO Advisor
Skokie, Learning Center A200
847.635.1420
saguilar@oakton.edu

Esperanza Salgado-Rodriguez
TRIO Manager
Des Plaines, Enrollment Center
2nd Floor - Room 2918
847.635.1253
esalgado@oakton.edu

Luz Trejo Camarillo
TRIO Advisor
Des Plaines, Enrollment Center
2nd Floor - Room 2919
847.635.1728
ltrejo@oakton.edu