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TRIO Bridge Program

Setting Yourself Up for a Successful Term

Knox students who have been a part of the TRIO Achievement Program often describe it as an extension of their family—a family who just happens to know a lot of stuff about college, studying, and life after Knox.

The TRIO Achievement Program is funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of Education that supports the retention to graduation of students from limited-income backgrounds and those whose parents do not have a four-year college degree. Students with documented disabilities are also eligible to apply for the TRIO Achievement Program.

How Can TRIO Help You Succeed at Knox?

It starts with the TRIO Bridge Program, when you come to campus early (see the Move-in and Orientation Schedule for dates) to set yourself up for a successful first term before everybody else arrives for New Student Orientation.

The TRIO Bridge Program offers a fun and informative start to the Knox experience by providing:

  • A detailed breakdown of your financial aid package and assistance with entrance loan counseling.
  • Discussion of Knox's academic requirements and your fall term classes to set the groundwork for your four-year graduation plan.
  • Interactive sessions with faculty and key staff members at Knox.
  • An opportunity to get to know campus and your new TRIO family.

Support from TRIO continues throughout the academic year to help you achieve your highest academic performance in your first year at Knox. You will have access to information and opportunities through TRIO, as well as the unwavering support of your TRIO advisor and peer mentor. If you are enrolled in FP this fall, you will also have our TRIO 100 course added to your class schedule to assist with your transition to academics at Knox. Your experience in TRIO will be what you make of it with a personalized graduation plan based on your goals and aspirations and will not interfere with your being involved in other clubs and activities.

What Our Students Say about Trio

  • It's like a safe space. There's no judgment and everyone is on the same page. It's this big support system that has made my college life so much easier.

    TRIO Graduate

  • Support of other first-generation students really brought me through. We stuck together and that was always helpful—just motivating each other and helping each other through the tough spots.

    TRIO Grad

  • Without TRIO, it would have been almost impossible for me to get through college. People in TRIO understand you and share the same values and cultures.

    TRIO Grad

Apply to TRIO

You can apply for TRIO at any time during your time at Knox; however, the priority application period ends in June. TRIO is funded primarily by a grant from the U.S. Department of Education and, as such, has certain eligibility criteria for acceptance into the program. Qualifying students will find a TRIO application on their Pre-Arrival Tracker (due June 16).

Pre-Arrival Tracker