Written by Mia Pollard.
Sarah Wright, Assistant Director of Student Support Services Programs, recently spoke with the Cashier’s Office staff to share the many support programs on campus for under-resourced students.
These programs include TRIO for undergraduate students, Pack Essentials and Feed the Pack.
What is TRIO?
According to their Fast Facts, “TRIO Programs are Federal outreach and student services programs designed to serve and assist low-income individuals, first-generation college students, and individuals with disabilities from middle school to post baccalaureate degrees.” TRIO programs do not provide funds to students, they help students to overcome class, social and cultural barriers to higher education. TRIO programs are focused on early intervention and are performance based with a strong sense of reality to assist each student with their individual goals.
NC State hosts four TRIO programs:
- Educational Talent Search (for grades 6-12)
- Upward Bound (for high school students)
- The Student Support Service program (at the university level)
- Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement Program (at the university level)
About Feed the Pack and Pack Essentials
Since 2017, Pack Essentials has been helping students meet their basic needs such as food and housing. The Pack Essentials Hub is located on the first floor of North Hall. There, students can work collectively, relax and meet many of their basic needs in one place. This hub is the home of the Feed the Pack food pantry, but also provides cookware kits, menstrual products and health and hygiene products.
Students can apply for assistance through a Pack Essentials application available through the Pack Essentials website.
Learn More
Being aware of how to support under-resourced students is important to ensure all students feel safe and welcome at NC State.