A student wearing a TRIO SSS t-shirt sits on a picnic table

TRIO & Educational Opportunity Programs

We motivate and support students from backgrounds including low-income, first-generation and disabled individuals, from sixth grade through college graduation.

Proudly First Gen foam finger

Temporary Relocation - Hammond Campus Construction

The CLO main entrance and first floor will be closed due to construction until the beginning of the fall semester.

  • Office for First Generation Initiative – PORT 211B
  • TRIO Educational Talent Search – Hammond – PORT 203
  • TRIO Upward Bound/Upward Math and Science – GYTE 007D
  • TRIO Student Support Services – PORT 216 A&E

Read More About This Summer’s Construction

First Scholars logo. Text: First Scholars Elevate Potential with colored dots rising from the text in a wave.

A First Scholars Institution

PNW has been recognized by the Center for First-generation Student Success for its sustained commitment to support first-generation students.

See Our First-Gen Support

College Programs

21st Century Scholars

Beginning in middle school, this scholarship program participants with programs and resources to help them plan, prepare, and pay for college.

TRIO Student Support Services

A federally funded TRIO program, we focus on providing a comprehensive set of services emphasizing academic excellence, cultural awareness and life-long learning.

Ronald E. McNair Post- Baccalaureate Achievement Program

Federal funding allows us to provide graduate educational opportunities for students who have traditionally not been part of the educational mainstream of American society.

Christopher Pabey

Believe in your passion, that you are here to achieve your goals and that you will be able to make it through this and any other challenge you face.

Ana Lopez is pictured.

As first-generation students, we have to figure it out and put the pieces together. I always tell myself ‘don’t let yourself down,’ because then how will you get to where you want to be?

Ana Lopez , Health Studies

Vanessa Del Real

I found TRIO at the new student orientation and I’m so glad I joined freshman year. They gave me all the support I needed with things like FAFSA and school in general.

Pre-College Programs

Upward Bound

Federally funded, Upward Bound is a continuous three-year program that provides supportive academic instruction and tutoring for high school students in Hammond, Gary and East Chicago, Indiana.

Educational Talent Search (Hammond Campus)

This federally funded TRIO program provides academic, career and financial counseling to Lake County residents, encouraging participants to graduate from high school and continue on to complete your post-secondary education.

Educational Talent Search (Westville Campus)

This federally funded TRIO program provides academic, career and financial counseling to Lake, LaPorte, Porter and Starke County residents, encouraging participants to graduate from high school and continue on to complete your post-secondary education.

A group of TRIO graduates stand together in front of a PNW backdrop.

$5.9 Million to Support First-Generation College Students!

In 2022, PNW’s TRIO programs were awarded $5.9 million in federal funding to support first-gen, low-income and underrepresented students!

See the Support in Action

TRIO SSS students lined up in matching t-shirts with hands on hips

PNW Impact Recognized

PNW ranked among Midwest regional universities for social mobility in U.S. News & World Report’s 2022-2023 annual Best Colleges rankings. The ranking measures how well a university graduates Pell Grant recipients. PNW ranked 76 among these universities.

SEE THE RECOGNITION

News and Announcements

A lion sculpture outside PNW's Nils K Nelson Bioscience Innovation Building

Purdue University Northwest students earn 2024 spring semester Dean’s List honors

The Purdue University Northwest (PNW) 2024 spring semester Dean’s List recognizes 1,636 undergraduate students for their academic achievements.

Yung Gravy performs onstage while wearing a PNW Hockey jersey.

Ten highlights from the 2023-24 academic year

PNW’s 2023-24 academic year was marked by historic opportunities in academics and community impact, major designations reflecting university strategic initiatives, new feats for Pride Athletics, engaging and empowering student life events and much more.

PNW Announces Recipients for the 2024 First-Generation Pride Grant

PNW’s TRIO and Educational Opportunity Programs and Center for Faculty Excellence are beyond excited to announce the recipients of the 2024 First-Gen Pride Grants.

Upcoming Events

Aug 19

Fall 2024 Classes Begin

We’re excited to kick off another semester of learning and PNW Pride. Power Onward! Fall 2024 Classes begin Monday, August 19, 2024.

Sep 02

Campus Closed: Labor Day

There will be no classes and the University will be closed in observance of Labor Day on Monday, September 2.

Nov 27

Thanksgiving Break

Due to the Thanksgiving holiday, there will be no classes and PNW’s campuses will be closed from Wednesday, November 27 through Saturday, November 30.