First-Generation Programs
TRIO Educational Opportunity Center (EOC)
EOC is a federally funded TRIO grant program, sponsored by CSU Pueblo that assists first-generation and low-income individuals in gaining access to higher education. The program provides services to CSU Pueblo students as well as high school students and adults in twelve southern Colorado counties and one northern New Mexico county. EOC services are especially beneficial to individuals who seek extra assistance in navigating the procedures related to financial aid and admissions. All services are provided free of charge.
Services include:
- Information about college and career opportunities
- Assistance in completing admissions and financial aid applications
- Referrals to GED and college preparation programs
- Information about scholarship opportunities
- College application and testing fee waivers
For services on the CSU Pueblo campus, students and community members can call (719) 549-2457. The central office is located on the CSU Pueblo campus, Room 365 in the Library and Academic Resource Center (LARC). Satellite offices are located at Fort Carson’s Education Center and on community college campuses in Pueblo, Colorado Springs, Lamar, La Junta, and Trinidad. To access services or for more information, call (719) 549-2457 or toll free (877) 302-4433 or visit our website: https://trioeoc.wixsite.com/mysite.
TRIO Educational Talent Search
Educational Talent Search is a federally funded TRIO grant program sponsored by CSU Pueblo.
The program identifies and assists middle school and high school students from disadvantaged backgrounds who have the potential to succeed in higher education. The program provides academic, career, and financial counseling to its participants and encourages them to graduate from high school and continue on to and complete their post-secondary education. Educational Talent Search services are available to students attending Pueblo Academy of Arts, Roncalli Middle School, Risley Middle School, Central High School, East High School, Hope Academy, and South High School.
Services include:
- Academic Advising
- Mentoring Program
- Academic Skills Workshops
- Financial Literacy
- Career Exploration Activities
- College Access Programming & Support
- Field Trips & Campus tours
The main office is located on the CSU Pueblo campus. Applications are accepted year round. For more information, please contact the Educational Talent Search Office at 719-549-2538 or visit our website at https://www.csupueblo.edu/trio/talent-search/index.html.
TRIO Student Support Services
Student Support Services (SSS) is a federally funded TRIO grant project providing an array of services to low-income, first-generation students and students with disabilities. The purpose of TRIO SSS is to increase the retention and graduation rate of participants. This is accomplished by providing supportive services such as:
- Academic action planning
- Peer tutoring (one-on-one, group, and drop-in)
- Academic, career, financial literacy, and graduate school counseling
- Financial aid advisement
- Academic success seminars
- Educational resource center and study room
To be eligible to receive services from the TRIO SSS Project, students must meet the following requirements:
- Be enrolled or accepted for enrollment at CSU Pueblo as an undergraduate student,
- Be a low-income student, and/or
- Be a first-generation student, and/or
- Be a student with a documented disability,
- Meet the academic criteria as established by the TRIO SSS Project, and
- Be a citizen, national, or permanent resident of the U.S.
Students who meet these criteria are encouraged to apply. For more information, please stop by the office located in the Library and Academic Resource Center (LARC), Room 357 or call us at (719) 549-2111.
Additional information can be located on the SSS website: https://www.csupueblo.edu/trio/student-support-services/index.html
TRIO Upward Bound
Upward Bound is a federally funded TRIO grant program sponsored by CSU Pueblo. The program mission is to provide low-income and first generation students the pre-collegiate experiences and services (academic, social, and cultural) necessary to matriculation into higher education and successful completion of an Associates or Bachelors degree. Upward Bound services students at County, Centennial, Central, and East high schools in Pueblo.
Services include:
- Academic year tutoring on a weekly basis at area target schools
- Six-week summer Pre-College Academy at CSU Pueblo
- Summer Bridge (transition to college) Program at CSU Pueblo
- Service learning and leadership development
- Social and cultural activities
- Continued alumni outreach and support services
The main office is located on the CSU Pueblo campus, Room 376 on the 3rd floor of the Library and Academic Resource Center (LARC). To access services or for more information, call (719) 549-2750.
TRIO Veterans Upward Bound
Veterans Upward Bound is a U.S. Department of Education TRIO Grant program which provides academic refresher assistance, training and advising to low income and/or first generation honorably discharged veterans who are pursuing a GED certificate and/or are preparing to enter post-secondary education. Non-credit academic instruction is available in the subject areas of English, mathematics, science, careers, computer literacy, and Spanish.
This program is an opportunity for veterans to re-establish fundamental ideas and study habits, which are prerequisites for successful performance at the post-secondary educational level. Additionally, Veterans Upward Bound provides access to academic resources, employment referrals, assistance with VA benefits applications, and referrals to various community assistance organizations.
Colorado State University Pueblo is the host university offering a full computer lab with free printing, free coffee, a refrigerator and a variety of resources for veterans. Classes and services are also offered at Pikes Peak Community College and Pueblo Community College campuses. The program, all classes, and materials are FREE for those who qualify.
The Veterans Upward Bound staff can assist veterans in several areas, including:
- Academic Skills Refresher Training
- GED Preparation
- College Entrance Assistance
- Admissions
- Financial Aid Applications
- VA Educational Benefits
- Academic Advising
- Career Guidance
Classes are offered at various times. Please contact the program for the current schedule.
Please call to get complete information on how Veterans Upward Bound can benefit you or visit our website: https://www.vubcolorado.org/.
VUB Contact Information:
Colorado State University-Pueblo
2200 Bonforte Blvd,
Library and Academic Resource Center (LARC), Room 374
Pueblo, Colorado 81001-4901
Phone: (719) 549-2824; (719) 549-2875
Pueblo Community College
Phone: (719) 549-3077
Pikes Peak Community College
Phone: (719) 502-4020