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.
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.
College Programs
Beginning in middle school, this scholarship program participants with programs and resources to help them plan, prepare, and pay for college.
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.
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.
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?
Pre-College Programs
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 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.
$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!
News and Announcements
Inspired to serve: Meet PNW 2025 graduate Savannah Benitez
Savannah Benitez, BSB ’25, feels amazed and grateful for how far she has come during her academic career at Purdue University Northwest (PNW).
Charting a Path: Meet 2025 PNW graduate Felipe Oria
A trip to the emergency room during the pandemic inspired Felipe Oria, ’25, to uproot his life, move back to Indiana, commit to becoming a nurse.
Classroom to the Courtroom: Meet Fall 2024 PNW graduate Joseph Ignatuk
Joseph Ignatuk, ’24, is set to earn a bachelor of arts degree in Political Science from the College of Humanities, Education and Social Sciences at Purdue University Northwest (PNW) with minors in French and Philosophy.