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
Director, TRiO Student Support Services Program, kjohnson@chesapeake.edu
I am Katrina S. Johnson, Director, 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!
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.
Arlene P. Carroll
TRiO Program Specialist, acarroll@chesapeake.edu
I am Arlene P. Carroll, the Program Specialist for the TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) Program. I received my Bachelor of Science degree in Organizational Management from Wilmington University. I am studying for my Master’s in Nonprofit Management at Wilmington University. I am grateful for the new journey that has been presented to me. I am excited to help you at Chesapeake College in ways I did not receive during my tenure here. I am the 1st generation of my family to earn a college degree. I am well aware of the struggles that come with this new journey you are entering. I am here to make that journey for you as smooth as possible.