TRIO

Our Mission

To foster an atmosphere where high school students and adults of all ages feel empowered to pursue their educational goals, without real or perceived barriers. We do this by providing academically enriching courses; tutoring; academic counseling; financial literacy; mentoring; career exploration; cultural enrichment and leadership development. We also strive to provide judgment-free counseling, allowing us to meet our adult learners wherever they are on their life’s journey. Our services promote college access and success, as well as personal development to a combined 1,333 high school students and adult learners.

About TRIO

The TRIO programs were the first national college access and retention programs to address the serious social and cultural barriers to education in America. TRIO began as part of President Lyndon B. Johnson's War on Poverty, with Upward Bound as an experimental program in the Educational Opportunity Act of 1964. In 1965, the Higher Education Act created Talent Search. And in 1968, Special Services for Disadvantaged Students (later known as Student Support Services), was founded. Together, this “trio” of federally-funded programs encouraged access to higher education for low-income students. To date, TRIO programs have grown to seven student serving programs and remain a vital pipeline to opportunity, serving traditional students, displaced workers, and veterans: Educational Opportunity Centers and Veterans Upward Bound (1972); Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Program (1986); and Upward Bound Math/Science (1990). TRIO programs help students overcome class, social and cultural barriers to higher education by providing a myriad of services, from middle school through post-graduate. Funded by the U.S. Department of Education, Chicago State University is one of over 3,100 education institutions and agencies offering federal TRIO programs, to more than 812,000 students. Currently, CSU offers two TRIO programs, Upward Bound II and Project SUCCESS Educational Opportunity Center. The CSU TRIO Programs are dedicated to providing access to postsecondary education opportunities for high school students and adults.

TRIO programs provide a myriad of services, from middle school through post-graduate, to help students overcome class, social and cultural barriers to higher education.

Services include assistance with:

Community College, Trade School or four-year institution applications
Financial aid forms
Finding scholarships
College and career counseling
Other application support

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Are you eligible to participate?

Upward Bound

Upward Bound Logo Upward Bound at Chicago State University is a pre-college program designed to prepare high school students for college success. Scholars must demonstrate a strong personal commitment to finishing high school and college, a desire to expand their knowledge, and perseverance.

Participants engage in activities such as:

Academic & Test Prep: ACT preparation classes, scholarship and essay writing assistance, and STEM exploration
College Readiness & Leadership: College visits, leadership and financial literacy workshops, and social and emotional learning
Community Engagement: Community service projects and opportunities to develop teamwork and community engagement skills

Fall 2026 Session Details

Dates: September 12 - December 5, 2026

Eligibility Requirements:

At least 13 years old, but no older than 19, and have completed the 8th grade
A U.S. citizen, U.S. national, a permanent resident, or have documentation from Immigration and Naturalization Services showing intent to become a permanent resident
From a low-income household, a potential first-generation college student (neither parent has a 4-year degree), or at high risk for academic failure
Demonstrates a need for academic support

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Educational Opportunity Center

Educational Opportunity Center participants must express a desire to enroll or already be enrolled in a program of postsecondary education and requests information or assistance in applying for admission to, or financial aid for such a program. Our counselors offer personal assistance in matching your interests and needs with an appropriate educational program.

Prospective participants will be:

A citizen or national of the U.S; a permanent resident of the U.S.; or is in the U.S. for other than a temporary purpose, but has evidence from the Immigration and Naturalization Services of their intent to become a permanent resident;
19 years of age or older (or classified as a senior in high school);
A low-income individual or a potential first-generation college student (neither parent has a 4-year degree);
Not currently enrolled in a four-year institution and who have not earned a 4-year degree
Residents of Chicago or the surrounding suburbs.

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Our Teams

Dean of Student Success

Dr. Concetta Williams

Dean of Student Success

(773) 995-2189

cwilli32@csu.edu

Upward Bound

Ms. Kenya Weaver

Director

(773) 995-3974

kweaver@csu.edu

Mrs. JoAnn Kyle

TRIO Support Specialist

(773) 995-2566

jkyle@csu.edu

Mr. Jarrett Silmon

Project Counselor

(773) 995-2573

jsilmon@csu.edu

Project Success Educational Opportunity Center

Mr. Brian Johnson

Director

(773) 995-5214

bjohns25@csu.edu

Mr. Daniel Brown

Project Counselor

(773) 995-5226

dbrowo03@csu.edu

The TRIO Programs at CSU also employ a number of teachers, federal work study students and contractual workers to support our high school scholars and adult learners.

TRIO

Services include assistance with:

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Upward Bound

Fall 2026 Session Details

Educational Opportunity Center

Our Teams

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