USC Sumter OSP Alumni-TRiO

10/01/2026

Please join us in congratulating Jordan Blanding, an OSP alum, on this incredible accomplishment!

Jordan has successfully completed all of the requirements to be issued his Official Statement of Eligibility from the South Carolina Department of Education, bringing him one step closer to completing the licensure process as an educator.

We are so proud to see our TRIO alumni continuing to reach their goals, pursue their passions, and make a difference in their communities!

Congratulations, Jordan! Your dedication and hard work are an inspiration, and we can’t wait to see all that you accomplish next!

Show some love!

09/16/2026

The Future of TRIO Matters!

The Council for Opportunity in Education (COE) has spoken out against the proposed elimination of the Federal TRIO Programs, highlighting the important role these programs play in supporting students across the nation.

Serving more than 817,000 students annually, TRIO provides essential resources such as academic advising, mentoring, financial aid guidance, and college preparation.

As TRIO alumni, we know how meaningful access to guidance, encouragement, and educational opportunities can be. This article offers an important look at the potential impact of changes to TRIO funding and the continued need for student support.

📖 Read the full article below to learn more and stay informed about the future of TRIO!

The institutions—Oklahoma City Community College, South Seattle College, and Chesapeake College—are demonstrating how proven strategies like holistic advising, mentoring, and proactive student support can be embedded institution-wide to improve retention, completion, and transfer outcomes.

09/16/2026

🎓 TRIO Alumni, this is a conversation worth following!

TRIO programs help students navigate the path to higher education and work toward their goals. This article explores the future of TRIO and GEAR UP, federal support for college access, and the importance of these programs.

As alumni, staying informed and engaged matters. 💙

Read the full article and share your thoughts!

Katharine Meyer discusses how TRIO and GEAR UP programs have been impacted by the first year of the Trump administration.

09/03/2026

An update on TRIO Talent Search & Educational Opportunity Centers

The Council for Opportunity in Education (COE) has shared an update on the U.S. Department of Education’s FY 2026 Talent Search and Educational Opportunity Center (EOC) grant awards.

While hundreds of TRIO programs will continue serving students and families, the initial awards also show a reduction in the overall number of programs funded. Some communities may lose access to longstanding TRIO services, while other programs remain under consideration.

This news is a reminder of how important TRIO advocacy and support continue to be. TRIO programs help students and families navigate college access, financial aid, career preparation, and educational opportunities.

We are grateful to everyone who has spoken up for TRIO and will continue to stand with the students, families, educators, alumni, and communities who depend on these programs.

Read the full update from the Council for Opportunity in Education below.

The Council for Opportunity in Education (COE) expressed mixed emotions about the initial results. COE is gratified that the Department followed congressional directives and moved forward with the competitions, allowing hundreds of TRIO projects to continue serving students and families.

09/03/2026

09/02/2026

Why does TRIO matter?

Because sometimes, having someone believe in you can make all the difference. TRIO provides more than academic support—it creates community, encouragement, and opportunities that can stay with students long after graduation.

To our OSP Alumni: What did TRIO mean to you? Share your story or a favorite memory in the comments!

Once an OSP Scholar, always part of the TRIO family.

08/28/2026

What advice would YOU give to new college freshmen?

07/23/2026

We would like to feature YOU for our Student Spotlight! Want to participate? DM us your favorite picture of you and your parent, sibling, grandparent, chosen family, or mentor, and write a short message of gratitude or reflection! We want to honor you and the people who have helped you get where you are today!

05/28/2026

“The Opportunity Scholars Program (OSP) set me up for success in many ways. I was very nervous about the transition from high school to college, but being in OSP and coming to college two weeks earlier than when the first semester started relieved my nerves. I was able to learn my way around campus, make new friends, easily ask for help at any time from people I knew and trusted, and have a great time on our outings. I cannot express how much OSP helped me; not only in the enormous transition from high school to college, but also in the invaluable lessons taught to us during those two weeks during the summer before the fall semester. Additionally, since neither of my parents was fortunate enough to attend college, I had much to learn about college, and OSP stepped in and stepped up. Now that my younger brother will be attending USC Sumter this upcoming semester, I hope he has the same opportunity as me and can enjoy all of the support that OSP offers. ” - Caroline Dollard

05/11/2026

“TRIO played a huge role in my educational journey by constantly supporting and encouraging me throughout my time in college. They provided guidance, resources, and motivation that helped me stay focused on my goals. Their support became the driving force behind my decision to continue my education and work toward earning my bachelor’s degree. I’m incredibly grateful for the impact TRIO has had on both my academic success and personal growth. They never stopped believing in me.” -Emerald McElveny