The event welcomed 30 students and their families, all of whom will be participating in TRIO’s four-week intensive summer program. Designed to support a smooth academic and social transition to college, the program includes workshops, courses, and personalized support services that help build a strong foundation for student success.

The orientation set a positive tone for the weeks ahead, offering students a chance to connect with peers, meet the dedicated TRIO staff, and learn more about the many resources available to them throughout their journey at Saint Peter’s University.

We honored our scholars with certificates of completion and presented them with their graduation cords and stoles. We captured memories at a fun photo booth, enjoyed delicious food, and celebrated together as a vibrant community. We are beyond proud of our scholars and all they’ve accomplished. Congratulations to the Class of 2025!

This event was made possible through the leadership and support of the TRIO Mentors for the Class of 2028, Trinity Smith and Alexandra Gomez. Their dedication and coordination played a vital role in ensuring the event ran smoothly and provided valuable opportunities for students to connect, practice interview skills, and gain confidence in such a supportive environment.

Over the weekend of March 15, the Director, Sarah Smyth and Assistant Director, Katelyn Joyce of TRIO SSS attended the Council for Opportunity in Education (COE) Policy Seminar in Washington, D.C., where they advocated for TRIO SSS programs, their mission, and the students they serve on Capitol Hill. They engaged in discussions surrounding advocacy efforts.

On Thursday, March 20, 2025, the TRIO SSS Program, EOF Program, and the Career Engagement & Experiential Learning department collaborated to host the “Empowering Our First-Generation Students” panel that had 15 scholars in attendance. The event was moderated by Dr. Joseph Jimenez, Ed.D., Graduate Studies Career Coach, who led a dynamic discussion on the benefits of support programs and their role in developing students’ social capital while building upon the NACE competencies.

Panelists included Knight Ambubuyog, Director of EOF, Sarah Smyth, Director of TRIO, and Katelyn Joyce, Assistant Director of Career Engagement & Experiential Learning. Each panelist shared personal experiences as first-generation college students, detailing how support programs played a pivotal role in their academic and professional journeys. They discussed the long-term impact these programs have had, both in their student lives and as first-generation professionals, underscoring how such initiatives continue to foster success.

This event provided valuable insights into the resources available for first-generation students, highlighting the importance of support programs in shaping future leaders and professionals.

Out of the 25 students who participated, 12 were also accepted into the Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF) Program. Through EOF, these students will continue to receive personal, professional, career, and academic support throughout their first year and beyond.

The Summer Bridge Program continues to play a vital role in preparing students for success at Saint Peter’s University by offering valuable academic coursework and holistic support that extends beyond the classroom.

Throughout the summer, students earned three college credits in Introduction to Sociology, which will count toward their core graduation requirements. In addition to academic enrichment, students received supplemental math support, peer mentoring, and participated in career and personal development workshops designed to enhance their skills and prepare them for success in higher education.

A key highlight of the program was a visit to Junior Achievement Finance Park, where students learned valuable financial literacy skills. The trip focused on teaching students about various types of loans, including student and credit card debt, and strategies for avoiding overspending in the future.

The TRIO SSS program continues to offer a range of support services to ensure students have the resources they need to succeed academically and personally.

In addition, Diana Rivera, a junior and fellow TRIO SSS Scholar, has also been accepted to participate in the 2025 TRIO Future Leaders Summit. This marks a historic achievement for the university as together, Leslie and Diana will be the first students from Saint Peter’s University to earn a spot in this esteemed program, hosted by the Council for Opportunity in Education We are incredibly proud of our TRIO Scholars and their remarkable accomplishments!

During the meeting, students received guidance on scheduling tutoring sessions through the Writing Studio (Writing Studio) and the PeacockSuccess by Optimizing Data and Support (PODS) Project. These resources aim to enhance students’ academic success by providing tailored support in writing and other subject areas.

Additionally, Mary Mercado, Associate Director of Career Engagement and Experiential Learning, presented on America Needs You (ANY) opportunities. ANY addresses the professional development gap for first-generation college students by providing mentorship, career development training, and access to professional networks, ultimately improving career outcomes for participants.

The TRIO SSS program remains committed to empowering first-generation, low-income students and students with disabilities by offering comprehensive academic and career support.