The U.S. Department of Education is awarding University of the Pacific a $1.7 million grant to improve college retention and graduation rates for first-generation students, low-income first-generation students and students with disabilities.

The five-year TRIO Student Support Services grant will help 200 students per year receive academic tutoring, financial aid, scholarship guidance, career exploration, personal and academic counseling and mentoring.

“That individualized attention is critical to determine what the student's needs are,” said program director Rosie Motes ’13, ’17, ’27. “Building a sense of community, creating programming that centers the student’s wellbeing and providing them with skills, knowledge and resources to be successful as a first-gen student are key.”

The TRIO program has served low-income Pacific students since 1979, helping more than 1,400 students stay in school to earn their degree and build meaningful careers.

“Coming to Pacific as a first-generation student loaded with expectations was not easy. I dealt with imposter syndrome to the point where I wasn't doing well academically,” said Jennyfer Pacheco ’26. “I was losing hope of getting back on my feet. TRIO helped me back on my feet and achieve academic success. They’re like a second family. If you have any doubts, problems, or need someone to talk to, TRIO is always waiting with open arms.”

Montes said part of what makes the program so successful is a deep understanding of the first-generation student experience.

“I'm also first gen. All of my team is first gen, and we connect to students in that way, I have kids and a full-time job, so I do my own study hours together with students and bond through the stress of getting things done. Showing first-gen students that it is possible is so important,” Montes said.

“Looking back myself at being an undergrad at Pacific, I didn't think I would be in a doctorate program, and I didn't even think about being in a master's program. Being here at Pacific really does give you the opportunity to advance in your education and personal growth.”

The student success program is one of several under TRIO. Pacific also has a TRIO Upward Bound Program, which offers a six-week college exploration summer program for students enrolled at nearby Edison High School.

Pacific also launched the First Gen Hub last year to support all first-generation students. The collaborative space includes study rooms, a computer lab, a kitchen and common areas on the ground floor of the McCaffrey Center.

The hub supports Pacific’s equity programs, including the Community Involvement Program, Success TRIO and Promise Scholars, and also serves first-generation students who are not enrolled in any program and need a dedicated space.

“We are thrilled to be refunded in this cycle and excited to continue the comprehensive suite of support services TRIO has provided to first-generation Pacific students for nearly 50 years,” said Vice President for Student Life Maria Blandizzi. “Students who have participated in this program have benefitted immensely, and the student success outcomes, measured in retention and graduation rates, tell the story of how incredibly impactful this funding truly is.”

“TRIO has been a home away from home,” said former speech language pathology student Anahitza Lopez ‘24. “It’s a family that we chose to create, a place to develop as a person creating your identities, not only as student or first generation but through learning from all the knowledge and advice offered.”

The new grant will help the program recruit returning and incoming students. Current students can apply for the program’s services online.