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 first-generation, low-income, and disabled individuals, from sixth grade through college graduation.

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.

PNW students walk in front of the Bell Tower on PNW's Hammond Campus.

PNW Impact Recognized

Purdue University Northwest was recognized for student social mobility in U.S. News & World Report’s 2025 annual Best Colleges rankings. Social mobility measures how well institutions graduate Pell Grant recipients and first-generation college students.

SEE THE RECOGNITION

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

News and Announcements

The PNW Bell Tower with a blue, cloudy sky in the background

Purdue University Northwest named among 2025 best Midwest universities by U.S. News & World Report

PNW was ranked as a top public regional university in U.S. News & World Report’s 2025 annual Best Colleges rankings, while also being recognized for student social mobility.

Khalil Hudson stands in front of a sign that reads "I [heart symbol] PR" sign.

PNW’s Study-Away program offers students a world of opportunity

PNW’s Study-Away programs provide students opportunities to expand their academic horizons, develop real-world skills, explore new cultures and build unforgettable memories.

Steve Disney

Welcome Steven Disney, Ph.D. Director, TRIO Educational Talent Search Program

Steve Disney is joining PNW as the New Director of Educational Talent Search for the Educational Opportunity Programs team at the Westville Campus.

Upcoming Events

Nov 27

Thanksgiving Break

Due to the Thanksgiving holiday, there will be no classes from Wednesday, November 27 through Saturday, November 30.