TRIO Student Support Services is a unique resource designed to assist eligible students. To qualify for TRIO, you must meet one or more of the following requirements:
- You are a first-generation college student (neither parent/legal guardian has earned a four-year bachelor's degree).
- You have a financial need that meets income guidelines (as defined by the Department of Education).
- You have a documented physical or learning disability.
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.
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.
"TRIO has been such a huge help to me personally because of the immense amount of support and personalized direction that you get from your TRIO advisor. You always get great feedback and get your questions answered and as a first-generation student, I always have questions related to college." - Lia Moreno, Theater Education / Psychology Major
TRIO Services
As a TRIO participant, you'll have access to the following services.
Academic Advising
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.
Transfer Assistance
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.
College Success Strategies
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.
Tutoring Resources
All tutoring is available through Oakton’s Learning Center. Additionally, TRIO students will have access to remote tutoring services provided by TutorMe.com.
Financial Assistance and Scholarship Search
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.
Cultural Events and Activities
TRIO sponsors student leadership conferences and trips for experiential learning to local theaters, museums and musical events and even pays for your admission to the Oakton Performing Arts Center.
Technology Assistance
If you need assistance working with or accessing technology, TRIO will provide support.
TRIO Resources
These links offer additional information to assist you at Oakton.
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
Sign Up For TRIO
To learn more about TRIO, please fill out the online interest form.
To apply, fill out the TRIO Request Form and email it to trio@oakton.edu.
Once you've submitted your TRIO Request Form, you will be contacted to meet with a TRIO Staff Member to discuss your educational plans and learn more about the services TRIO has to offer. You should then complete the TRIO Student Self-Assessment and bring it to your follow-up appointment.
"TRIO Has taken the guesswork out of school life. I now have a solid degree and transfer plan, as well as the resources to work through difficulties with school as they come up." - Stephen Lahart, Business Major
"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
Advisor, TRIO Student Support Services
TRIO Interest Form
TRIO Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
TRIO Staff Contact Information
For general questions about TRIO, please email trio@oakton.edu.
Steve Aguilar
TRIO Advisor
Skokie, Learning Center A135
847.635.1420
saguilar@oakton.edu
Sara Martinez
TRIO Administrative Assistant
Des Plaines, Enrollment Center
2nd Floor- Room 2901
847-635-1265
samartinez@oakton.edu
Mary Kate Moskal
TRIO Advisor
Des Plaines, Enrollment Center
2nd Floor - Room 2919
847.635.1728
mmoskal@oakton.edu
Esperanza Salgado-Rodriguez
TRIO Manager
Des Plaines, Enrollment Center
2nd Floor - Room 2918
847.635.1253
esalgado@oakton.edu