Marginalized groups are born into a world built to see them fail. Facing systemic disadvantages from the very beginning, these groups have no choice but to learn to live with and/or work their way around these problems. They are often confronted with two options: succumb to a system designed to undermine their potential, or navigate the challenges to demonstrate that they can achieve. Oftentimes, it goes beyond the accomplishments of those born privileged.
I am one of these people.
Born into a family of immigrants, I have watched time and time again as they fail to make a living in a country that despises them. I have watched my family fall into addiction, go back to the country they tried to escape, attempt and fail college, and live in poverty with what seems to be no way out. Being the oldest of the remaining first-generation Americans, the weight of generational poverty and trauma has been passed down to my shoulders. With the funds my family does not have, I am attempting my degree in computer science, and so far have made it further than those before me. This is why it is detrimental for colleges and high schools to provide additional support to those in a position similar to mine, because I would not be able to write this article without them.
On the SUNY Plattsburgh campus, a program named TRIO Student Support Services was built to empower and provide the care that students, like me, can not get at home. TRIO offers a multitude of services that include personalized advising and academic resources for first-generation students, internships, leadership roles, and most importantly; scholarships for those financially disadvantaged.
However, an email was sent out from Alexander Eyendi, SUNY Plattsburgh’s president, that devastated a large portion of our campus. It stated that TRIO services will no longer be available, following the abrupt nationwide cancellation of funding for the U.S. Department of Education on behalf of an executive order from the president. This program was serving over 200 students at the time of the cancellation and has supported thousands over the 60 years the program was active. To say the least, this is a massive problem, considering that a majority of underprivileged individuals rely on the services that are offered for their education, on the campuses in which it was provided. According to The Institute for College Access and Success, students of wealthy families have a 76% graduation rate, while those of the lowest income bracket (in which TRIO supported) only have a 48% graduation rate. The elimination of the scholarship, and the program as a whole will undoubtedly lead to a higher dropout rate as students struggle to afford their education without the necessary financial assistance.
Upward Bound, the branch of TRIO that serves high school students, was established to provide essential support for those facing challenges similar to mine. The program offered coverage for expenses such as college-level classes available in high schools, travel costs for college campus visits, and college application fees. Beyond its financial assistance, Upward Bound fostered a vital support system for high school students who often lack guidance at home, helping them break the cycle of poverty and pursue their degrees to get a head start on their futures. I interviewed three high school students from Ausable High School, running the “Save TRIO” Instagram page, to gain their insights on this issue and to understand how the loss of this support might affect their futures, and their overall feelings on the matter.
“I am honestly really scared for my future of going to college right now.”
Emily Daniels, Karlie Christensen, and Saxton are all juniors at Ausable High School who have felt the devastation of the recent defunding of the federal TRIO program. These three students are now working to raise awareness of the decision and its consequences. According to Daniels, the loss of TRIO funding has left her uncertain about her educational future.
“I am honestly really scared for my future of going to college right now,” Daniels says, explaining that she was promised five years of support through the program, but has only received two.“That is a lot of money that I don’t have. This feels illegal.”
The reasoning for the cut has been described only vaguely, even after appeals were made. In an email to participants, the Trump Administration explained that TRIO was “no longer in the best interest of the federal government.” Saxton expressed frustration with this explanation.
“The government saying that this doesn’t align with their best interest simply does not align with the facts,” Saxton said. “Upward Bound has very high success rates of sending kids to college and an almost equal rate of graduations.”
Saxton had hoped to be first-generation college student, but that was when he thought he would have assistance from TRIO.
“I only have one parent, legally, and my mom comes from a low-income family herself,” Saxton said.
For these students, the loss of TRIO represents more than just a budget cut. It threatens to derail the future they have worked hard for to receive higher education, which the program had promised to support.
“The removal of this program will either limit the chances or completely get rid of the chance for some kids to go to college,” Christensen expressed.
“Besides the financial aspect, this program provides you with social and life skills,” Saxton said, underlining the program’s role in building practical skills. “I learned financial literacy just last summer.”
In addition to financial support, the students emphasize the broader opportunities TRIO provided. Daniels explained that the program had made advanced coursework accessible to her.
“Right now I am taking a college-level history class, which I cannot pay for by myself. Upward Bound provided me with scholarships that covered the course fee.”
“Right now I am taking a college-level history class, which I cannot pay for by myself,” she said. “Upward Bound provided me with scholarships that covered the course fee. They also helped pay for the SATs. This program is there to help when you don’t know what to do.”
For Christensen, the value of TRIO extended to personal development and community.
“This program shows us how to survive in the real world and problem-solve,” she said. “It brings students together.”
Together, their reflections reveal that TRIO created a foundation of academic, personal, and social support that helped prepare them for both college and life beyond the classroom. This is more than just financial aid; this is their future.
apnmag.com 