N.C. A&T TRiO Programs Celebrate 40 Years of Expanding College Access

EAST GREENSBORO, N.C. (Feb. 24, 2026) – North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University’s TRiO Programs are celebrating the 40^th anniversary of National TRIO Day on Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026, joining institutions nationwide in recognizing programs that expand college access for first-generation, low-income and underrepresented students.

To commemorate the milestone, TRiO Programs are hosting student and TRiO alumni spotlights via social media, academic workshops, a National TRiO Day information drop-in session, and two community service initiatives the week of Feb. 23-27. Interested TRiO students can still sign up to volunteer here.

The week kicked off Monday, Feb. 23, via social media with a TRiO Day announcement and service project to collect toiletry items for delivery to the Aggie Source Food Pantry on Friday, Feb. 27, at 1:30 p.m. Toiletry items may be dropped off at 212 Murphy Hall until Friday at noon.

TRiO Scholars are hosting a TRIO Day photo gallery and student spotlight Tuesday, Feb. 24 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the first floor of Bluford Library and participating in a Read-In at the N.C. A&T Child Development Lab on Wednesday, Feb. 25, from 10 to 11 a.m. A TRiO Day Student Roundtable is set for Thursday, Feb. 26, from noon to 1:30 p.m. in 212 Murphy Hall and the culminating event will be a National TRiO Day Information Drop-In session in the Student Center lobby on Friday, Feb. 27, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

“TRiO reflects both academic excellence and service,” said LaVette L. Ford, Ed.D., senior academic support for McNair Scholars. “Our scholars are committed to giving back while striving for success.”

Established under the Higher Education Act of 1965, TRiO programs have supported millions of students in achieving academic success. A&T is home to four TRiO programs: Student Support Services, Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Program, Upward Bound and Educational Talent Search. 

“National TRiO Day highlights the power of access and opportunity, and we are excited to mark this historic anniversary of the TRiO programs on campus through service and enrichment,” said Chantal Fleming, Ed.S., A&T’s executive director for TRiO Programs. “Supporting the academic success of our students regardless of circumstance is not just our mission, but our passion. We are excited for this week’s activities and look forward to seeing the continued impact of our programs in our students’ lives.”