TrioWorks! Success Stories
Raven Jones-Stewart - Educational Opportunity Centers
My name is Raven Jones-Stewart and I am a proud mother of 3 boys and 4 step-children. I have always wanted to go back to school, but I was a little hesitant because of the obstacles I was battling in life at the time. I finally decided to do what I wanted and called National Louis University in Chicago and enrolled. I received a full scholarship from Inccrra towards my degree. I enrolled in 2020 of January and graduated in June of 2021 with my Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood. I can say that taking online classes was very frustrating because I am a hands-on person. I was enrolled as a full-time student, running a business, and being a full-time mother and wife. All of it was overwhelming at times, along with dealing with the pandemic. I was on honor roll every semester and was inducted into Tau Sigma National Honor Society. Knocking out goals one by one was very exciting to me. I owe my accomplishments to my family–my husband, children, nieces, and everyone else who played a part in my academic career. They pushed me to be the best version of myself, and believed in me when I did not believe in myself. Going back to school was the decision I could have made. It meant the world to show my children that the sky is the limit. I would like to say it is never too late to accomplish your goals, no matter what age you are. My graduation was one of the proudest moments in my life. My late sister, Diane Latrice Washington, was my mentor and influenced my decision to have a career in Early Childhood. I aspire to continue reaching goals and milestones in my career. Sincerely, Raven Jones
Andrea Cooper - Educational Opportunity Centers
January 2016 I moved from Memphis TN back to pursue my Masters Degree. Through my journey Ms. Jones has been so supportive, whenever I needed help with my financial aid she was always there, she was always just so kind and encouraging. December 2019 I graduated with my Masters Degree in Professional Counseling. It was no easy journey but the journey was worth it.
-December 2019
Makayla Watson - Upward Bound
Central Missouri Graduate
“HEC Upward has helped me throughout high school to prepare for college. I not only had my first experience on a college campus and traveling out of state to Washington, DC with Upward Bound, but I gained an internship opportunity with World Wide Technology for two summers. These opportunities along with college prep classes and skill-building have allowed me to flourish throughout my college experience.”
Chibale Anwise - Educational Talent Search
Purdue University Student
Chibale Anwisye graduated from Gateway High School 2020 with a full scholarship and studied at Purdue. While in high school he served as the Robotics Team Captain which won numerous competitions and awards. He interned with the ETS program in 2021 and received a stipend. He is continuing his education in engineering.
Rayquan Strickland
Sophomore at Central Visual and Performing Arts High School
"TRIO has helped me to grow as a student and as an individual. Since I have been a part of the TRIO program; the TRIO staff continues to motivate me and express their sincerity in wanting the best for my future. They also take time to check on me personally and not just a student. Their love and support for me as well as ALL TRIO students gives me reason to be glad that I got on board with the TRIO program."