What is TRiO?
The TRIO Programs were originally established by the federal government in 1965 to ensure equal educational opportunity for all Americans, regardless of race, ethnic background, or economic circumstance.
TRIO programs are very effective and many students from low-income families depend on these programs to succeed academically in high school and have graduated from college with the special assistance and support of our nation's TRIO programs. In addition, one TRIO program in particular, the Ronald E. McNair post Baccalaureate Achievement, is one of only a few programs in America that encourages low-income and minority undergraduates to prepare for Doctoral study.
Although 11 million Americans critically need to access the TRIO programs, federal funding permits fewer than 7 percent of eligible youth and adults. In many communities, the TRIO programs are some of the only programs that help students to overcome class, social, academic and cultural barriers to higher education.
Apply online here.
Who are we?
TRiO Student Support Services (SSS) Program is a federally funded program designed to help eligible students stay in school, graduate, and transfer to a 4-year institution. Students who qualify may utilize any of the free services listed below. Cambridge students are also eligible to apply. Every year, 80% of our TRiO SSS students maintain good academic standing and 70% stay in school the following year, graduate, and/or transfer to another school.
Apply online here.
Why should you join TRiO Student Support Services?
- Individualized tutoring one hour a week per subject
- Academic advising
- Assistance with registering for courses
- Support with study skills, time management, and test anxiety
- Assistance with applying for financial aid
- Transfer and career planning
- Cultural opportunities
- And more!
There are also specific programs for Veterans and STEM areas of study.
Do you qualify?
To qualify, students must have a high school diploma or GED® and meet one or more of the following criteria:
- first-generation college student (neither parent graduated from a 4-year college)
- low-income
- disabled
Prospective students meet with TRiO Student Support Services staff to discuss eligibility, the services they need, and program requirements before they are admitted to the program.
Meet the Staff
Christle Foster
Executive Director of TRiO Programs, cfoster@chesapeake.edu
Welcome to TRiO! My name is Christle Foster and I am the Director of TRiO Programs here at Chesapeake College. I am a graduate of North Caroline High School, Class of 1988! I received my bachelor’s degree in Business Management and Master's of Science in Management from Wilmington University. I am currently studying for a Doctorate in Philosophy in Organizational Leadership at the University of Maryland-Eastern Shore.
I credit Chesapeake College with starting me on the long journey of scholarship. I was a non-traditional student and single mother when I really got serious about my education. Professor Hearn gave me the confidence that business was my career path in his Accounting I course. I never would have thought that 20 years later, I would come full circle back to Chesapeake College. Destiny has a way of putting you where you are most useful in this life and providing purpose.
I want you to know as a student, that TRiO is here to help with the things you need to be successful at this institution and beyond. Sometimes, as a student you may not even know what that is and that is perfectly fine. Many of the staff have been in your shoes at some point in time and we are here to aid you as navigators through the college process, help you understand the language of the college environment, and become confident in your knowledge. Feel free to give me a call at 410 443-8230 or email me at cfoster@chesapeake.edu until we are back on campus. I don’t know magic or have any superpowers, but I may know someone who can answer your questions or help you with a little bit of research to help you successfully navigate your journey and complete your coursework at Chesapeake to help you get closer to your dreams and aspiration for the future!
Katrina S. Johnson
Associate Director – STEM, kjohnson@chesapeake.edu
I am Katrina S. Johnson, Associate Director-STEM for the TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) Program. I received a Bachelor's degree in Human Services Administration, a Master's degree in Administration of Human Services, and a Master's Certificate in Case Management in Human Services.
I am a Baltimore City native who moved to the Eastern Shore 10 years ago to provide a better upbringing for my children. The culture on the shore is slower and more enjoyable. I love the quiet neighborhoods, the water scenery, and the seafood.
After 5 years of working in the financial aid office, I had the opportunity to join the TRIO team. To my surprise, this position has blessed my life tremendously. I am able to help others in several capacities. I am considered “the counselor” to my family and close friends so my position fits me well. My favorite part of my position is the success of my students. You guys are my motivation.
I look forward to getting to know all of our TRIO students and helping them succeed. I am glad that you are a part of the TRIO family. Believe in yourself and lean on those who are praying for your success.
Never give up!
Academic Coach and Certified in Mental Health First Aid
Kristin Shearon
TRiO Academic Coordintaor, kshearon@chesapeake.edu
Welcome TRiO students! I am Kristin Shearon, Academic Coordinator for all things STEM related! I received my B.A. in Psychology/Spanish from Mount St. Mary's University and my M.Ed. in School Counseling from West Chester University. Growing up just outside of Philadelphia, when I came to the eastern shore 25 years ago to work in the public schools, I had culture shock- so many cornfields and the only traffic jam was caused by a combine! But I loved it and decided to stay. After many years as a school counselor, I had the opportunity to come to Chesapeake College to work in the newly funded TRiO STEM program. Every morning, I come to Chesapeake College looking forward to what my day will bring. I look forward to getting to know all of our TRiO students and to help them in this exciting journey! Thank you for being a part of our TRiO family!
Tyler Henry
TRiO Academic Coordintaor, thenry@chesapeake.edu
Hello everyone! My name is Tyler Henry and I am here for YOU as a TRiO Academic Coordinator at Chesapeake College! For those of you new to TRiO Student Support Services, welcome! As your Academic Coordinator I am here to advise and assist you in mapping out your academic and personal goals while helping you solve any potential issues you may experience here at Chesapeake or beyond. A little bit about me, I was born here on the shore right over at the Easton Memorial Hospital. I grew up in Denton, MD, and spent most of my high school experience as a dual-enrolled student here at Chesapeake! I went to get my BA in English at Messiah College in Harrisburg, PA and the University of Gloucestershire in Cheltenham, England. As a recent graduate and current Master’s program student I’m EXTREMELY familiar with what you are currently dealing with and have loads of tips and strategies to help you thrive here at Chesapeake and beyond!
Deborah Wooden
Deborah Elizabeth Foster Wooden was born in Cambridge, Maryland, Dorchester County, the middle child of the late Alfred and Roberta Foster. She attended Mace’s Lane High School through 1969 and graduated from Cambridge High School with the class of 1970-the first total integrated class of Dorchester County. Deborah attended the University of Maryland Eastern Shore 1970-1974 and received her Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education. Again this was the 1st class to graduate under the University system having completed 4 years. Her educational journey continued as she attended Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana receiving a Masters of Science in Administration and Supervision in 1975, and later in 1994, she received her Masters of Education in Guidance and Counseling from the University of Maryland Eastern Shore. . Deborah began her career in 1975 as a Special Education assistant teacher at Sandy Hill Elementary in Dorchester County, in 1976-1977 she returned to UMES as a Dormitory Counselor and Cheerleader Advisor and in 1977 returned to Dorchester County as a Physical Education teacher for 25 years at Mace’s Lane Middle School and 18 years as a Guidance Counselor later known as School Counselor until her retirement in June 2017.
Deborah has always cared and worked for the betterment of children being involved with after-school programs and activities, Dorchester County Recreation Parks, Summer School, Summer Migrant Program, Character Counts to name a few. She was the Food Bank Coordinator, and Student Council Advisor, She has received numerous awards and citations/recognitions throughout her lifelong journey both professional and personal. She was named the Grand Marshall of the Dorchester County Christmas Parade, and received the Dorchester Co. Rec and Parks 2015 Community Service Award, received Dorchester County’s Fellows Award-nominated twice for Dorchester’s Teacher of The Year. Deborah is a Life member and Silver Star of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., a chartered member of Kappa Theta Omega chapter, a graduate of Nellie Quander Leadership Academy, a Life member of the University of Maryland Eastern Shore Alumni Association, The Dorchester County NAACP, The Mace’s Lane High School Steering Committee, the Dorchester County Retired Employees Association. Deborah is a member of New Revived United Methodist Church where she serves as a Lay Leader, and Worship Leader, she is a member of Friends of Stanley Institute Community Group.
She is married to James L. Wooden and they make their home in Trappe, Maryland. They have 3 daughters, 9 grandchildren, and 3 great-grandchildren, 5 nieces,1 nephew, and 4 great-nephews and 2 great-nieces. Deborah loves life, her family, and helping others.
Quote from Vivian Jackson: ” Don’t wait for the storm to pass, Learn to dance in the rain!’’
Terry Perkins-Black
TRiO Academic Coordinator, tperkins-black@chesapeake.edu
Welcome to TRIO! Terry Perkins Black, Academic Coordinator, is a native of Chestertown, Maryland. She graduated from the Kent County Public School system. Upon high school graduation, Terry attended Lincoln University in Pennsylvania, where she acquired a bachelor's degree in Public Administration with a minor in Business. She is a first-generation college graduate. Currently, she is pursuing a Master’s Degree in Administration of Human Service at Wilmington University.
Terry’s passion for serving others has been embedded in her professional and personal life. This passion is manifested in her 27 years, role as a Parole and Probation Agent with the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services, until retirement (2019). In 2019 driven by her ambition and desire to assist students in navigating the college application process, Mrs. Perkins-Black served as the Minority Achievement Coordinator at Queen Anne’s County High School.
Her passion to serve students was created from her own experiences as a student, those of her daughter’s, and her daughter’s peers. These unfortunate circumstances inspired Terry to act on her calling to help students gain and sustain college admission. Terry was blatantly discouraged from attending college and “labeled, less than college material”, this doubt, sparked a spirit of perseverance in her that remains today. Terry became empowered to take the position, anyone willing and capable should never be deterred from pursuing and attaining a college education. Her work as a servant leader has been hinged upon the words of Dorothy Height, “Without service, we would not have a strong quality of life. It’s important to the person who serves as well as the recipient. It’s the way in which we ourselves grow and develop.” Terry’s has assisted numerous students in applying for college, scholarships, and financial aid. However, her greatest joy is helping students discover their voice, talents, abilities, skills, and purpose in life. She inspires her students by planting seeds of hope and utilizing timeless adages such as “To accomplish great things, we must not only act, but also dream, not only plan, but also believe” Anatole France.
Terry enjoys spending time with her husband and daughter, researching familial genealogy, shopping, eating crabs, cooking and baking, and relaxing at the beach. Terry is a member of the Maryland Department of Human Services Citizen Review Board for Children, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc Kappa Theta Omega Chapter, National Association of Parliamentarians, and Howard County Parliamentarian Unit.