The Federal TRIO Programs are federally funded initiatives that provide outreach and student support services to help participants successfully navigate the academic pipeline from middle school through post-baccalaureate studies. TRIO encompasses eight distinct programs that promote academic achievement and college completion. Weatherford College currently administers three of these programs.
Together, Weatherford College's TRIO programs serve more than 800 participants each year. Students accepted into a TRIO project receive comprehensive services tailored to their academic and personal development, including tutoring, advising, mentoring, financial literacy education, and guidance designed to support educational persistence and success.
Additional information about the Federal TRIO Programs is available on the Department of Education website.
The three TRIO Programs that Weatherford College hosts are:
TRIO-Student Support Services (SSS)
The Weatherford College Student Support Services (SSS) program provides opportunities for academic development, assists students with basic college requirements and serves to motivate students toward the successful completion of their post-secondary education. The SSS program may also provide grant aid to current SSS participants who are receiving Federal Pell Grants. The goal of SSS is to increase the college retention and graduation rates of its participants and facilitate the process of transition from one level of higher education to the next.
The Weatherford College Student Support Services director is Maria E. Gallegos at 817-598-6484 or via email at maraiza@wc.edu.
To read more about SSS at Weatherford College, please visit their web site.
TRIO-Talent Search
The Weatherford College Talent Search program serves 600 students from 14 area schools in the WC service area.
The Talent Search program identifies and assists individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds who have the potential to succeed in higher education. The program provides academic, career and financial counseling to its participants and encourages them to graduate from high school and continue on to the postsecondary school of their choice. Talent Search also serves high school dropouts by encouraging them to reenter the educational system and complete their education.
The goal of Talent Search is to increase the number of youth from disadvantaged backgrounds who complete high school and enroll in the post-secondary education institution of their choice.
The Weatherford College Talent Search Program director is Sammie Calixtro at 817-598-8823.
TRIO-Upward Bound
Weatherford College Upward Bound is committed to supporting students in their pursuit of higher education. As a federally funded program, Upward Bound provides academic guidance, enrichment opportunities, and structured support to help participants graduate from high school and transition successfully to college.
Through a blend of academic instruction, enrichment activities, and personal development, students build the knowledge, skills, and confidence necessary to achieve long-term success in education and beyond.
For more than 25 years, Weatherford College Upward Bound has helped hundreds of students reach their academic and personal goals. The program emphasizes self-discipline, leadership, and community engagement through classroom learning, experiential opportunities, and service activities.
The Weatherford College Upward Bound Program is fully funded by the U.S. Department of Education, with an annual award of $309,505. The program serves 55 students at Springtown, Gordon, Millsap, and Mineral Wells ISDs.
For more information, don't hesitate to contact Program Director Christine Endy at cendy@wc.edu or 817-598-6480.