On Tuesday, Feb. 4, Butte College’s TRIO program opened its doors to the wider student population for its “Kick College Up a Nach-O” initiative, offering free nachos to draw visitors to the center and promote the services they provide.
Yolanda Salazar-Garcia is the grant manager at TRIO, has been involved in the program for 16 years and accredits her own college attendance to her involvement in TRIO during her college years. She told us of the valued work the program does and how much it means to its students. “We work with first-generation, low-income, and students with disabilities to help them be successful during their time at Butte. All our students are paired with a retention specialist who works with them one-on-one to help them succeed in all their classes and transfer onward from Butte.”
She emphasized the sense of community present at the center and how significant a role it plays in its students’ lives. “TRIO is my heart, and I always tell students that once you’re in it, you’re in it for life.”
The program also offers students the opportunity to visit potential universities in preparation for the next step of their academic careers, with plans to tour Sacramento State University, Cal State Stanislaus and UC Merced all coming up throughout the spring semester.
(Juan Valencia)
Eulalio is a student who avails of the services provided at the center, and he was keen to praise the friendly, helpful environment at TRIO, detailing his love for the free coffee with a grin. When asked if he would recommend the center to an incoming student of similar circumstance, he was emphatic in his answer, citing the support provided for students’ mental health, as well as the “extra oomph” the center gives in helping students through college.
TRIO is one of the lesser-known resources available to Butte College students; however the passion and affection felt towards the program by its staff and benefactors speaks volumes to the importance of the work they do.
The TRIO office is located on the second floor of the Student & Administrative Services building and is always open to visitors throughout the school day.
