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.

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.

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

Bianca Cortez

“The Whole World Smiles With You”: Meet PNW 2023 graduate Bianca Cortez

A love for science and math mixed with the desire to help the community set Bianca Cortez, ’23, on the path of completing a bachelor of science degree in Biological Sciences from Purdue University Northwest (PNW) this fall.

Logo: First Generation College Scholar Celebration. Gold logo on a black background

Purdue Northwest hosts First-Generation College Scholars Celebration events

As a diverse, welcoming, inclusive metropolitan university, Purdue University Northwest (PNW) is dedicated to supporting its first-generation students with a fulfilling student experience and preparation for the next steps in their careers.

A lion sculpture in front of the Nils K Nelson Bioscience Innovation Building

Dean of Students Hammond temporary relocation

Due to summer construction in the CLO building, the Office of the Dean of Students staff will be temporarily relocating to Lawshe 258 from July 7 through August 4.

Upcoming Events

Apr 24

Purdue Northwest Day of Giving 2024

On April 24, 2024, we’re asking the entire community to come together as we Roar Ahead for Purdue Northwest Day of Giving 2024.

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

Campus Closed: 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.