KU TRIO Talent Search

10/30/2026

🎉 Say hello to another amazing alum, Ara! 🎉

We are so proud to celebrate Ara, who has been selected as one of the honorees featured on the University of Kansas Center for Educational Opportunity Programs’ 7th Annual “I Am First Too” poster!

The 2026 poster recognizes KU first-generation students, alumni, staff, and faculty who have excelled as role models, leaders, and advocates for first-generation student success. This recognition is so well deserved!

We are especially honored to have been part of Ara’s journey since 6th grade. It has been a privilege to walk alongside you, cheer you on, and watch you continue to grow, achieve, and inspire others.

From participating in TRIO Talent Search, GEAR UP, TRIO Student Support Services (SSS), and TRIO McNair, your journey is a beautiful reminder of the power of opportunity, perseverance, and support.

Ara, keep shining, keep leading, and keep being AMAZING! We cannot wait to see all the wonderful things still ahead of you! 💙❤️

Sumner Academy of Arts & Science alum

The KU Center for Educational Opportunity Programs has selected 12 new honorees to appear on KU’s seventh annual I Am First Too poster. The 2026 poster honors KU first-generation students, alumni, staff, and faculty who have excelled as role models, leaders, and advocates for first-generation student success. Please join us for the I Am First poster unveiling and reception on Monday, November 9th at 3pm in the Kansas Union Ballroom.

Honoree: Ara Melquiades Castellanos
Program: Student, Political Science & Business Administration; French and Music Minors
Quote: "Growing up, I never had anyone at home to tell me or guide me on what I should be doing to prepare for higher education. My parents always encouraged and supported me going to college, but I just didn’t know how. Being a first-generation student has meant knocking on doors and joining programs (like TRIO & GearUp) that have helped me get to where I am today. As I sit in KU’s lecture halls there are moments before the classes start where all I can think of is how amazing it is that I am here, in the rooms that my parents dreamed of, and my grandparents couldn’t possibly imagine. Being first generation is more than just being the first, it’s about being able to take on challenges that might seem impossible but through patience and hard work get achieved."

10/28/2026

🚀 Say hi to one of our amazing alums, David! 👋 His dream of working for NASA, which started back in 7th grade, is now a reality! 🌎✨

David is a Mechanical Engineer at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center where his team works on processing, integrating, and stacking the Space Launch System (SLS or Moon Rocket) for the Artemis Program.

David’s journey is a wonderful example of what’s possible with big dreams, hard work, and support along the way. He participated in TRIO Talent Search, TRIO Upward Bound Math & Science, TRIO Student Support Services, and TRIO McNair and was a RUDD Foundation Scholar! 🎓

We’re so proud to see our alumni reaching for the stars and making their dreams come true. Way to go, David! 🌟

Sumner Academy of Arts & Science alum
Wichita State University alum
Rudd Foundation Scholar
Council for Opportunity in Education - COE

10/13/2026

This is happening tonight! Calling all TRIO Seniors! Join us at JC Harmon HS for FAFSA Night and receive assistance with your FAFSA, FSA ID, etc. If you attend another KCKPS HS, you are still welcome to attend this evening. Financial Aid experts will be on hand to help, first come first serve (4:30-6:30pm).

10/05/2026

💙 Thank you, Carl B. Bruce Middle School, for the wonderful thank you messages! We truly appreciate the kind words and support.

We ❤️ CBB! Thank you for being part of TRIO! 🎓✨

🎉And a BIG Shout to our TRIO Advisor, Ms. Cruz-Lopez, who provides TRIO services to the students at CBB. Thank you for all you do! 🎤

09/14/2026

TRIO Class of 2027! Let's get your FAFSA completed! Free assistance on Tuesday, Oct. 13th at Harmon HS. Open to our TRIO Talent Search Seniors, regardless of the school you attend!

09/11/2026

Current TRIO College Students - here is a scholarship opportunity for you!! Let's us know if you need assistance with the application!

First Gen Fellowship Thank you for your interest in a First Gen Fellowship! The 2025 First Gen Fellowship application period has now ended.Awardees will be contacted directly and announced on National First Gen Day on November 8th, 2025 on firstgen.org and on instagram . Want to stay ...

08/30/2026

🍦🎓 FLASHBACK TO JULY: THE FUTURE LOOKS SWEET! 🎓🍦

We’re scooping up some memories from our “Get the Inside Scoop on College” event at the TRIO office! 📚🍨

Our students (from 6th grade all the way to the Class of 2026) spent the day learning, connecting, and having FUN!

🎓 1:1 College & Career Advising
🧠 College Trivia
🍦 ICE CREAM!
📸 TRIO Bestie Photos
🎓 Graduation Photos
💼 LinkedIn Professional Headshots

There was a little something for everyone! And judging by these photos, A LOT of smiles! 😍

From dreaming about college to preparing for graduation and everything in between, we loved helping our students picture themselves in their next chapter. 💙

Swipe through the memories! 👉📸

College talk + career goals + ice cream + TRIO Besties = a SWEET day! 🍦🎓💙

08/26/2026

Inspire. Dream. Success. 💙

That’s what TRIO is all about! TRIO provides students with the support, resources, guidance and encouragement they need to overcome barriers, pursue higher education, and reach their goals.

We’re proud to help students dream big, believe in themselves, and succeed. 🎓✨

TRIO Works!

08/25/2026

TRIO Seniors - check this event out tonight! Get a head start on your financial aid process.

08/25/2026

A new school year is here! 🎉📚 As we learn, grow, and take on new challenges, let’s remember our TRIO motto: Always build each other up, never put each other down. 💙

A little kindness, encouragement, and positivity can make a BIG difference. Let’s make this a year of lifting each other up and cheering each other on! 🙌✨

Here’s to a great year ahead! 🍎📓