TRIO Student Success and Disability Support

TRIO is a federally funded grant program that provides direct support services for first-generation college students, students with limited-income, and/or students with disabilities to successfully attain their first bachelor’s degree.

About TRIO

TRIO programs were the first national college access and retention programs to address the serious social and cultural barriers to education in the United States. Funded by the Department of Education, these programs are designed to support students in their pursuit of a college degree.

Evergreen's program, known as TRIO Student Success and Disability Support, provides wraparound services to students who meet at least one of the following three criteria:

  • First in your family to earn a bachelor's degree (your custodial parent(s)/guardian(s) do not have a bachelor's degree or higher)
  • Considered limited income under federal government guidelines
  • Have a documented disability with Evergreen's Access Services

TRIO is deeply honored to be a part of a student's college journey from admission all the way to graduation, since 1979.

TRIO at Evergreen

Supporting Student Success Every Step of the Way

TRIO is committed to enhancing each student's college experience by offering personalized academic, financial, and personal support. Our goal is to ensure that every student has the resources and guidance needed to succeed at Evergreen and beyond.

TRIO participants consistently demonstrate strong academic performance, high retention rates, and successful degree completion.

Since 1979, TRIO has served over 180 Evergreen students who are first-generation college students, students from limited-income backgrounds, and students with disabilities. In Summer 2020, we were awarded a second federal grant, enabling us to support an additional 100 students with documented disabilities. We’re proud to expand our services and reach even more students in our community.

TRIO is more than just a support program—it’s a community of people dedicated to helping you succeed. If you're ready to take the next step in your college journey, we encourage you to apply and connect with us today.

Appointments

TRIO offers remote and in-person services by appointment for Evergreen students.

Current TRIO Students

Need help making an appointment? Email your academic specialist directly or contact us at trio@evergreen.edu to get scheduled.

Students Interested in TRIO

Interested in joining TRIO? Email us at trio@evergreen.edu and we will connect you with a TRIO staff member.

How to Join TRIO

Students who want to join TRIO must:

  1. Complete the TRIO Student Success and Disability Support Application
    • After you apply, TRIO will contact you within one to two weeks to schedule an intake with an advisor
  2. Participate in an intake interview with one of our Academic Specialists
    • During the intake, the advisor will determine eligibility and provide wraparound services to support you during your journey while at Evergreen

The intake interview helps us understand your background, goals, and the kind of support you need to thrive at Evergreen. It also serves as the first step in building a lasting relationship between you and your advisor—one that we hope continues through to graduation.

TRIO Application

The TRIO application is open and available to all current and incoming Evergreen students who may meet the eligibility requirements.

TRIO Student Success and Disability Support Application (MS Forms)

What TRIO Offers

Once accepted into the program, TRIO students gain access to a comprehensive range of resources designed to support their academic journey.

Wraparound Advising

Our Academic Specialists help you identify your strengths, address challenges, and reach goals while connecting you with essential campus and community services. Our advisors help students:

  • Explore and learn about programs, internships, study abroad, and Independent Learning Contracts (ILC) opportunities
  • Engage in career exploration, job applications, and interview preparation
  • Plan and apply for graduate school programs
  • Overcome challenges through connections to support systems
  • Learn about resources, tools, and strategies to reach academic goals

Financial Aid Guidance

Navigating financial aid can be complex. We’re here to help you understand the process, complete necessary forms, and explore scholarships, grants, and loan options.

Student Engagement & Community Building

TRIO hosts a variety of events and academic workshops each quarter to foster connection and learning. Students may also attend cultural events at no cost.

Tutoring Services

We provide support in writing, reading, and study strategies. TRIO students also benefit from specialized tutoring in math, science, and computer studies through the Writing Center and QuaSR. One-on-one tutoring is available at no charge to enrolled students.

2-Credit Courses

Throughout the year, TRIO offers a series of 2-credit courses designed to help students succeed at Evergreen. Topics include:

  • College success strategies
  • Financial wellness and scholarship application
  • Writing support

Additional Support and Opportunities

  • Paid student leadership positions through our Peer Mentor Program
  • Access to scholarships and tuition waivers
    • TRIO students can apply for TRIO-specific scholarships and tuition waivers each Winter Quarter by submitting a one-page essay along with the general Evergreen scholarship application
    • Awards are limited and not all applicants will receive funding

Who Should Apply

First-Generation Students

Will you be the first person in your family to attain a bachelor's degree? If neither of your custodial parents or legal guardians has a bachelor's degree or higher, then you qualify as a first-generation student.

Limited-Income Students

Do you consider yourself as limited income? Do you qualify for a Pell grant? Do you or your custodial parents/legal guardians not need to file taxes because the income is too low? If so, you may qualify as a limited-income student.

Students with a Documented Disability

Do you have a documented disability? Is this documentation on file with Access Services for Students with Disabilities? If so, you qualify for our services as a student with a disability.

Students Who Identify as a Person with a Disability

Apply anyway! You may be eligible for TRIO as a first-generation or limited-income student. We can also help brainstorm ways to pursue getting documentation for a disability if you decide that is what you want to do.

Students Who Applied Before but Were Not Eligible

Apply again! Circumstances may have changed to make you eligible for the program.

TRIO Staff

Adriana Veloza

Director of TRIO | she/her

Email: adriana.veloza@evergreen.edu

Adriana is beyond thrilled to be back in the TRIO family once again. Prior to her move to Olympia in 2022, she worked for TRIO at Boise State University for six years. As a first generation, limited-income immigrant, she believes in the power of higher education to open doors and enrich people’s lives. She holds a bachelor of science degree from East Stroudsburg University and a master of science degree in marine science from The College of William and Mary. In 2016 she completed her master of arts degree in education from Boise State University and switched career paths to pursue a mission close to her heart - to support students with shared life experiences attain their college degree. It has been her privilege to help students pursue and reach their academic and personal goals. Outside of work, Adriana enjoys painting, gardening, spending time with her pets and exploring the beautiful Pacific Northwest.

Richelle V. Enriquez

Program Coordinator | they/she

Email: richelle.v.enriquez@evergreen.edu

Richelle has been working with TRIO since 2019. Richelle graduated from Evergreen in 2018. A first-generation and low-income student, Richelle was enrolled in the TRIO program as a student and is very engaged in both the campus and Thurston County communities. Richelle worked with Student Activities while attending Evergreen and after graduating, served in the Americorps program for a year working with the Thurston County Food Bank and Evergreen's Center for Community Based Learning and Action. Richelle continues to be an integral part of our campus community because she values the education that Evergreen offers and wants to support the whole college student experience through working with TRIO. They are particularly dedicated to supporting the TRIO program because of the way TRIO emphasizes that students do not have to go through college alone.

Stacia Pomerenk

Academic Specialist | she/her

Email: pomerens@evergreen.edu

Stacia’s career path has taken her in a variety of directions, including public school teaching and even owning a small retail business in downtown Olympia. She initially moved here from southern California to work at Evergreen’s Career Development Center after completing her master’s degree in career counseling. She’s worked at Evergreen in several capacities now and the position she’s enjoyed the most is that of academic specialist with TRIO. Stacia says that TRIO students are amazing, bringing dreams and fears and deep strengths, combined with a fierce determination to achieve their goals. Her hope is to help make their academic journeys a little smoother, sort of like a trail guide as folks climb their own personal Mt. Everest. She thinks it’s easier to do hard things with some company along the way.

Macel Reising

Academic Specialist | she/her

Email: macel.reising@evergreen.edu 

Macel began her journey in higher education while pursuing her Master of Music Therapy degree at Appalachian State University. She had the privilege of working with As-U-R, an intensive student support program focused on supporting students with executive function challenges, as a graduate student mentor for three semesters. After finishing her degree in 2022, Macel worked with ASU student-athletes as a Learning Specialist and Academic Advisor, which solidified her passion for serving students in higher education. She is especially excited to join the Evergreen and TRIO communities as she believes everyone is capable of success with the right supports. Outside of the office, you can probably find Macel outside, indulging in nature as often as possible.

Mercedes Shively

Academic Specialist | she/her

Email: mercedes.shively@evergreen.edu 

Mercedes has been working as an advisor to college students for over a decade and she is excited to bring that knowledge and experience to TRIO. As a first-generation non-traditional student, she earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Phoenix age 33, and then went on to earn master’s in business administration from Grand Canyon University in 2012. Graduating college as a first-generation student and working adult meant overcoming many obstacles and setbacks and she was helped greatly by the support she received from her own advisors along the way. This experience inspired a passion to advocate for students and to be a champion for TRIO students on their own path to graduation. In her free time Mercedes is a baker of bread, a lover of art and a friend of animals.

Kat Harmon

Academic Specialist for Disability Support | they/them

Email: kat.harmon@evergreen.edu

Kat is a life-long resident of Washington state, first-generation college student, disability advocate and educator. They graduated from Evergreen in 2007 with a dual concentration in consciousness studies and theater arts. They earned their master's degree in counseling psychology from St. Martin’s University in 2020, with an emphasis on serving queer, trans, disabled and neurodivergent populations. Kat is committed to equity, mutual aid and decolonization. They are passionate about supporting underserved communities and helping students craft authentic and attainable academic and career paths. When not in the office, Kat enjoys dancing, dreaming, reading, snuggling their cat and having completely normal, healthy conversations with the lichen in the Evergreen woods.

TRIO Student Success and Disability Support

Location

Office Hours

  • Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm