What is TRiO?
The TRiO Programs are student services programs established by the federal government in 1965 to ensure equal educational opportunity for all Americans, regardless of race, ethnic background, or economic circumstance. TRiO includes eight programs targeted to serve and assist low-income individuals, first-generation college students, and individuals with disabilities to progress through the academic pipeline from middle school to postbaccalaureate programs.
TRiO programs are very effective and many eligible students depend on TRiO to succeed academically in high school and in college. In many communities, it鈥檚 TRiO that provides the only programs that help students to overcome class, social, academic and cultural barriers to higher education.
Who is TRiO at 猫咪社区APP?
TRiO Student Support Services (SSS) at 猫咪社区APP is a that is designed to guide eligible students to successfully complete classes, graduate, and transfer to a four-year institution. Every year, 80% of our TRiO SSS students maintain good academic standing and 70% stay in school the following year, graduate, and/or transfer to a four-year institution.
Do you qualify? Yes, if...
You are a citizen or national of the United States or meet the residency requirements for federal student financial assistance.
You are enrolled at 猫咪社区APP and have a high school diploma or GED.
You have a need for academic support in order to pursue successfully a postsecondary educational program.
And you meet one or more of the following qualifications:
- You are a first-generation college student (neither parent has a bachelor's degree);
- Your income meets the federal guidelines required for TRiO; or
- You are an individual with disabilities.
Prospective students meet with TRiO Student Support Services staff to discuss eligibility, the services they need, and program requirements before they are admitted to the program.
Why should you join?
- Academic planning, course mapping, and advising
- Individualized tutoring
- Assistance with registering for classes
- Transfer planning
- Career exploration and planning
- Assistance with applying for/understanding financial aid
- Scholarship searching
- Support with study skills
- Off-campus cultural activities and events that are free for TRiO students
- The TRiO Center offers a safe space to hang out, free printing and copying, and coffee/tea/candy.
- And much more!
Meet the Staff
Christle Foster
Executive Director of TRiO Programs, cfoster@chesapeake.edu
Welcome to TRiO! My name is Christle Foster and I am the Executive Director of TRiO Programs at 猫咪社区APP. I am a graduate of North Caroline High School, Class of 1988, "Sure is Great!" I received my bachelor鈥檚 degree in Business Management and Master's of Science in Management from Wilmington University. I am currently studying for a Doctorate of Philosophy in Organizational Leadership at the University of Maryland-Eastern Shore.
I credit 猫咪社区APP with starting me on the long journey of scholarship. I was a non-traditional student and single mother when I really got serious about my education. Professor Hearn gave me the confidence that business was my career path in his Accounting I course. I never would have thought that 20 years later, I would come, full circle, back to 猫咪社区APP. Destiny has a way of putting you where you are most useful in this life and providing purpose.
TRiO is here to assist with students with their academic and co-curricular needs at this institution and beyond. Sometimes, as a student you may not even know what that is and that is perfectly fine. Many of the staff have been in your shoes at some point in time, and we are here to aid you as navigators through college processes, to help you understand the language of the college environment, and become confident in your knowledge. Feel free to give me a call at 410 443-8230 or email me at cfoster@chesapeake.edu. I don鈥檛 know magic or have any superpowers, but I know someone who can answer your questions or TRiO can assist you through research to help you successfully navigate your journey and complete your coursework at 猫咪社区APP, to help you get closer to your dreams and aspirations for the future!
Katrina S. Johnson
Director, TRiO Student Support Services Program, kjohnson@chesapeake.edu
Academic Coach and Certified in Mental Health First Aid
I am Katrina "Trina" Johnson, Director of the TRiO Student Support Services (SSS) Program. I received a Bachelor's degree in Human Services Administration, a Master's degree in Administration of Human Services, and a Master's Certificate in Case Management in Human Services.
I am currently a doctoral candidate in the Doctorate of Educational Leadership program at Bowie State University. As a Baltimore City native who moved to pursue college later in life, I understand your unique challenges.
A few years ago, I joined the TRiO Student Support Services Department. My role as a director has been a true blessing, allowing me to make a difference in the lives of others. As 'the counselor' to my family and close friends, this position perfectly fits me. The most rewarding part of my job is witnessing the success of my students. You are my inspiration and motivation.
I am glad that you are a part of the TRiO family.
Never give up!
Kristin Shearon
Academic Coordinator, TRiO Student Support Services, STEM, kshearon@chesapeake.edu
Welcome to TRiO! We are so happy to have you in our family! As a first-generation college student, I know how it feels to be unsure as you start your journey. We are here for you 鈥� whether we are behind you (making sure to catch you if you start to fall), next to you (being with you as you are making choices and needing assistance), or in front of you (pulling you forward so you can meet your goals). TRiO is what you make it 鈥� but we will always be here for you.
I graduated with my degree in psychology and Spanish, and then earned a master's degree in school counseling. After 18 years in the public school system, I was able to secure this position at 猫咪社区APP. Being an academic coordinator is my dream job! I come to work every day excited and ready to work with our TRiO students! There鈥檚 nothing better than watching students reach their goals. The saying, 鈥淣othing changes until something changes鈥� has become my mantra 鈥� and once our students make the decision to pursue higher education, we are going to make sure they have the resources to make the change and better their lives. Have a wonderful year!!
Terry Perkins-Black
Academic Coordinator, TRiO Student Support Services, tperkins-black@chesapeake.edu
Welcome to TRiO! I am Terry Perkins-Black, an Academic Coordinator, and a native of Chestertown, Maryland. I graduated from the Kent County Public School system and then attended Lincoln University in Pennsylvania, where I acquired a bachelor's degree in Public Administration with a minor in Business. I am a first-generation college graduate with a Master鈥檚 Degree in Administration of Human Service, and I am currently in a doctoral program in Educational Leadership.
Terry鈥檚 passion for serving others has been embedded in her professional and personal life. This passion is manifested in her 27 years, role as a Parole and Probation Agent with the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services, until retirement (2019). In 2019 driven by her ambition and desire to assist students in navigating the college application process, Mrs. Perkins-Black served as the Minority Achievement Coordinator at Queen Anne鈥檚 County High School.
My passion to serve students was created from my own experiences as a student, those of my daughter, and my daughter鈥檚 peers. I was blatantly discouraged from attending college and labeled, 鈥渓ess than college material;鈥� this sparked a spirit of perseverance in me that remains today. I became empowered, believing that no one should ever be deterred from pursuing and attaining a college education. My work as a servant leader has been hinged upon the words of Dorothy Height, 鈥淲ithout service, we would not have a strong quality of life. It鈥檚 important to the person who serves as well as the recipient. It鈥檚 the way in which we ourselves grow and develop.鈥� My greatest joy is helping students discover their voice, talents, abilities, skills, and purpose in life. It is important for me to sow seeds of hope for my students and utilize timeless adages such as 鈥淭o accomplish great things, we must not only act, but also dream, not only plan, but also believe鈥� (Anatole France). Serving others has been embedded in my professional and personal life, manifested in my 27 years as a Parole and Probation Agent with the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services until retirement (2019) and my position as the Minority Achievement Coordinator at Queen Anne鈥檚 County High School, where I was able to assist students in navigating the college application process.
I enjoy spending time with her husband and daughter, researching familial genealogy, shopping, eating crabs, cooking and baking, and relaxing at the beach. I am a member of the Maryland Department of Human Services Citizen Review Board for Children, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Kappa Theta Omega Chapter, National Association of Parliamentarians, and Howard County Parliamentarian Unit.
Arlene P. Carroll
TRiO Program Specialist, acarroll@chesapeake.edu
I am Arlene P. Carroll, the Program Specialist for the TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) Program. I received my Bachelor of Science degree in Organizational Management from Wilmington University. I am studying for my Master鈥檚 in Nonprofit Management at Wilmington University. I am grateful for the new journey that has been presented to me. I am excited to help you at 猫咪社区APP in ways I did not receive during my tenure here. I am the 1st generation of my family to earn a college degree. I am well aware of the struggles that come with this new journey you are entering. I am here to make that journey for you as smooth as possible.
Yana Willey
Academic Coordinator, ywilley@chesapeake.edu
Hello and welcome to TRiO!
My name is Yana Willey, and I am an Academic Coordinator here at TRiO. I earned my Bachelor's degree in ESOL from Salisbury University and my Master's in Education from LaSalle University. The bulk of my professional journey took place in public education, where I transitioned from a classroom teacher to a school leader. While roles changed, my passion for helping learners succeed remained, and I bring that same level of commitment to students at 猫咪社区APP.
Navigating higher education may seem overwhelming at times - I have personally experienced it. Rest assured, I am here to support you every step of the way toward academic success and a fulfilling career.
I am so glad you are here, and I look forward to working with you!