TRIO programs at Palm Beach State College are transforming the educational journeys of students who might otherwise be left behind. Federally funded through the U.S. Department of Education, these programs are designed to support low-income individuals, first-generation college students and students with disabilities, by providing academic guidance, mentoring and career planning to help them achieve their goals.

Since its inception, TRIO has helped more than 6 million Americans earn college degrees. A study by the U.S. Department of Education found that students enrolled in the TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) program are more likely to persist in college or earn a degree compared to peers with similar backgrounds who do not participate. Among students who began at two-year institutions, SSS participants were about 57% more likely to have completed an associate degree, earned a certificate or remained enrolled after four years.

PBSC offers a range of TRIO programs across its campuses, including Educational Opportunity Centers (EOC), Student Support Services (SSS), Student Support Services Veterans (SSSV), Talent Search (TS) and Upward Bound (UB). Each program works to remove barriers to higher education and create opportunities for students facing systemic challenges.

While the data highlights TRIO’s effectiveness, its real impact is seen through the personal stories of those whose lives have changed by the program. PBSC students like Richeley Cajuste, Marlen Prieto and Jocelin Escalante-Miguel credit TRIO not only with academic support but with providing a sense of community and belief in their potential.

“TRIO gives our students the tools and the confidence they need to take control of their futures,” said Karline Prophete, PBSC dean of student success. “It empowers them to see what’s possible and to believe that they belong in college and beyond.”

Richeley Cajuste

Richeley Cajuste always knew he wanted to be a doctor. This dream stayed with him when he moved from his home country, Haiti, to the U.S. in 2016. However, as a low-income first-generation college student, Cajuste did not think pursuing higher education would be possible—until he learned about TRIO at Palm Beach State College.

“I thought college was going to be impossible for me,” Cajuste said. “The TRIO program made a huge difference in my life.”

Cajuste joined the NextGen Summer Bridge program in 2023 before starting his first semester at PBSC. The two-week program hosted by the Dr. Carey-Shuler Student Success Center in collaboration with TRIO Student Support Services (SSS), aims to enhance the first-year experience at PBSC and expand access and educational opportunities for first-time-in-college students. During the program, Cajuste networked with faculty and peers, explored career pathways and learned about TRIO programs at the College.

As his first semester began, Cajuste smoothly transitioned into the SSS program. TRIO advisors helped him develop an academic plan to reach his degree goals and provided assistance with financial aid. Through their support, he learned about scholarship opportunities through the Foundation for PBSC, which he credits with making college financially possible.

Cajuste is now preparing to begin classes at the University of Florida in the fall. He will pursue a Bachelor of Science in Microbiology and Cell Science. He is excited for new opportunities but grateful to the TRIO programs at PBSC for setting him up for success.

“I’m excited to see what the future holds for me and where life takes me in the next two years,” Cajuste said.

Marlen Prieto

Before joining TRIO, Marlen Prieto often felt stuck and overwhelmed, juggling family responsibilities, financial pressures and the demands of school and work.

Prieto first joined the TRIO Upward Bound program while she was a student at Pahokee High School, seeking support with college planning. Through the program, she received guidance on applying to college, entrance exam preparation and assistance with financial planning. When she enrolled at PBSC, she joined the TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) program.

“I probably wouldn’t have been able to be in college if it wasn’t for TRIO,” Prieto said.

TRIO SSS provided Prieto with the support she needed to stay on track, even during challenging times at home. When her grandfather required knee replacement surgery, the financial strain on her family was significant. She began working at a convenience store to help, but thanks to her advisor’s guidance on scholarships and Pell Grant opportunities, she was able to remain enrolled. Her advisor also helped her navigate the FAFSA process and encouraged her to apply for scholarships she never thought she would qualify for.

In May, Prieto graduated from PBSC with her Associate in Arts degree and plans to enroll in the College’s Dental Hygiene program next, a path she discovered through career guidance from her TRIO advisors. She credits TRIO with helping her navigate both academic and personal challenges with greater confidence. Prieto encourages other students to take advantage of the program, especially those in need of academic, financial or emotional support.

“They’re not only people who help us, but they’re also like a family to us that supports every step in our career and our future,” she said.

Jocelin Escalante-Miguel

Jocelin Escalante-Miguel’s connection to TRIO programs began early. She joined TRIO Talent Search as a freshman at Lake Worth High School and stayed involved throughout all four years. The program introduced her to college readiness resources, providing her with tools that helped her better understand what to expect from college.

Through TRIO Talent Search, she also learned about dual enrollment opportunities and eventually joined PBSC’s early admission program her senior year, allowing her to complete nearly half of her college credits before graduating high school.

In the summer of 2024, Escalante-Miguel participated in PBSC’s NextGen Summer Bridge program. It was through this experience that she learned about TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) and quickly became part of a supportive academic community. At PBSC, she met regularly with her TRIO advisor who offered consistent guidance to keep her on track for graduation.

“There were times when I felt lost or unsure of what I was doing, but having someone to turn to made a big difference,” she said.

As a first-generation college student, she credits TRIO with giving her the confidence to believe in herself and her future. “They really do want you to succeed,” she said. “They give you so much information and guidance—even things you don’t think you’ll need at the moment end up helping later.”

Escalante-Miguel graduated with her Associate in Arts degree from PBSC in spring 2025 and will transfer to the University of Florida this fall to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Applied Physiology and Kinesiology.

To learn more about TRIO programs at PBSC, click here.