TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) was a program that offered a wide range of individualized support. Encompassing academic advising, registration assistance, transfer and graduation guidance, financial aid application help, tutoring (individual, group and online), financial literacy training, scholarship research, university tours, and access to computers and printers for completing assignments. It also hosted various program-related events and activities both on and off Eastfield campus.

TRIO SSS has helped countless students prepare for college and succeed academically — particularly those who are first-generation college students, low-income or have disabilities. TRIO students met at least one of the following criteria:

First-generation college student — a student whose parent(s) or guardian(s) with whom they reside do not hold a four-year college degree.
Low-income student — based on federal income standards. Students who qualify for a Pell Grant are typically considered low-income.
Students with a documented disability — eligibility is determined by State of Texas guidelines and confirmed through the Special Services Office.

In the past two years, TRIO SSS supported many students at Dallas College Eastfield, fostering a strong sense of community and belonging. However, as of writing this, the program has now had their funding cut and will be removed from campus. They have sent an appeal to the U.S. Department of education to extend their time for 90 days to get everything in order before they leave. Despite the appeal Tuesday September 30, TRIO SSS was removed from Eastfield.

For many students, TRIO SSS offered far more than academic support — it has been a space to grow, build connections and access life-changing opportunities. From educational trips to New York and San Diego to hands-on assistance with FAFSA applications and scholarship resources, TRIO SSS has opened doors that students never thought possible.

Now that its funding has been cut and will no longer be available at Eastfield, many students who depended on the resources that TRIO SSS provided will suffer from the loss. Cynthia Margarita Cruces, Student Government Association President at Eastfield, and Vice President of LULAC, shared how TRIO SSS impacted her personally: “TRIO helped me learn how to connect with people and opened my mind to the possibility of attending universities I never dreamed of going to. It also helped me find my voice.”

Cruces had been actively advocating for TRIO through her work with LULAC, using her platform to connect with key figures such as Ginny Mendez from the Office of State Representative Rafael Anchía; Isaac Mackzum, a representative for Linda García; and Ray De Los Santos. Many other students have shared similar experiences. Veronica B. Romero, expressed that TRIO gave her opportunities she never thought she’d have. From traveling and exploring possibilities beyond Eastfield, to meeting new people and building a professional network, the program helped her develop a broader perspective.

Living with a disability, Veronica once believed she had limited potential — never imagining she could travel on her own or work while pursuing her education. Through TRIO, she was able to attend the Council for Opportunity in Education conference and successfully hold a job. While she faced challenges, the experience helped her realize that obstacles are not the end of the world — they are part of growth.

Veronica is firm in her belief that shutting down TRIO is a major disservice to students, especially those who are first-generation and low-income. She is doing her part to advocate for the program by responding to a call to action from the Council for Opportunity in Education and writing to her state representative. She emphasizes that she is willing to support TRIO in any way she can — and encourages others to do the same.

Another former Eastfield student, Osvaldo Reyes, now studying at the University of North Texas, also voiced strong support for TRIO. He shared that the program not only fosters a “strong sense of community, but also encourages students to step out of their comfort zones, pursue new experiences and benefit from financial support.”
For Reyes, TRIO is a program he deeply honors. He knows it has the power to transform lives — academically, personally and professionally. Since joining, he has been actively advocating for TRIO by writing letters and speaking publicly about its impact. He stresses that his efforts are not just about his own journey, but about representing the many students whose lives have been changed by the program.

This is a heartbreaking loss for Eastfield students, as TRIO empowered hundreds of them to find their voice, build meaningful connections, and believe in themselves. For some, it was more than just a program — it was a lifeline. TRIO offered essential academic and financial support through tutoring, financial aid guidance, resume building, and scholarship opportunities. Its absence will leave a void in the campus community, one that will be felt for years to come as they face a five-year wait before they can reapply for grants.