TRIO Programs
Educational Opportunity Center
The Educational Opportunity Center (EOC) at Indian River State College (IRSC) is a federally funded TRIO program designed to provide adults and high school students with the resources, guidance, and support needed to achieve their educational goals. Serving the Treasure Coast, the EOC focuses on helping individuals navigate the complexities of college admission, financial aid, career planning, and academic readiness. Services include assistance with completing FAFSA applications, exploring career pathways, selecting college programs, and preparing for standardized tests. The program is committed to empowering underserved populations, including low-income individuals and first-generation college students, to access higher education opportunities and achieve personal success.
Student Support Services
Student Support Services (SSS) is a college persistence and retention program for current and incoming IRSC students that is focused on individual participant needs. It promotes self-advocacy and leadership and provides academic, cultural, career–oriented and social activities to help students. Students are encouraged to explore their personal talents and abilities, and along the way they gain confidence, develop a vision for their lives, set highest standards and aspire to academic and personal excellence. They learn to utilize the full range of campus resources and to develop a sense of community and social responsibility.
TRIO Programs for Middle- and High-School Students
TRIO college-readiness programs at Indian River State College are designed to help low-income individuals, first-generation college students and individuals with disabilities continue their education and achieve academic success. These federally funded programs are free-of-charge to eligible students in grades six through 12.
Indian River State College gives equal consideration to all applicants without regard to race, color, national origin, ethnicity, sex, pregnancy, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, genetic information or any other factor protected under applicable federal, state and local government laws, rules and regulations.
Educational Talent Search
The Educational Talent Search (ETS) program at Indian River State College (IRSC) is a federally funded initiative designed to support middle and high school students
in achieving their educational goals. The program provides academic, career, and financial
counseling to help students excel in school, graduate, and pursue post-secondary education.
ETS serves as a resource for students and families, offering services such as tutoring,
college preparation workshops, test preparation, and assistance with college and financial
aid applications. By fostering academic success and encouraging higher
education aspirations, the program plays a vital role in empowering students to overcome
barriers and unlock their full potential.
St. Lucie County
| Lynn Highsmith | Rashonda Beasley | Abelard Cesar |
|---|---|---|
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Director (772) 462-7607 |
Academic Coordinator (772) 462-7605 |
Academic Coordinator (772) 462-7608 |
Target Schools
- Dan McCarty Middle School
- Forest Grove Middle School
- Samuel S. Gaines Academy
- Fort Pierce Central High School
- Fort Pierce Westwood High School
Indian River County
| Sandra Zavala | Eva Garcia | Casey Dillahay | Alandini Dieujuste |
|---|---|---|---|
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Director (772) 226-2523 |
Academic Coordinator (772) 226-2686 |
Academic Coordinator (772) 226-2556 |
Program Specialist (772) 226-2529 |
Target Schools
- Sebastian River Middle School
- Sebastian River High School
- Gifford Middle School
- Oslo Middle School
- Vero Beach High School
Upward Bound
The Upward Bound (UB) program at Indian River State College (IRSC) is a federally funded initiative designed
to empower high school students. Serving 74 students annually, the program provides
comprehensive academic support, college preparation, and personal development opportunities
for participants who meet criteria such as low-income status, being first-generation
college students, or having an academic need. Upward Bound offers year-round services,
including tutoring, workshops, and
cultural enrichment; along with a six-week summer program where students engage in
intensive academic and career exploration. With a commitment to fostering educational
success, the program ensures participants are well-prepared for post-secondary education
and beyond.
St. Lucie County
| Sheterica Cain | Alexander Edwards | Ida Johnson |
|---|---|---|
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Director (772) 462-7612 |
Academic Coordinator (772) 462-7609 |
Program Specialist (772) 462-7610 |
Target Schools
- St. Lucie West Centennial High School
- Fort Pierce Central High School
- Fort Pierce Westwood Academy
Indian River County
| Jody Idlette | Adrien Alexander |
|---|---|
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Director (772) 226-2680 |
Academic Coordinator (772) 226-2681 |
Target Schools
- Vero Beach High School
- Sebastian River High School
- Indian River Charter High School
Upward Bound Math and Science
The Upward Bound Math and Science (UBMS) program at the IRSC Massey Campus is a federally funded TRIO program designed to
inspire and support high school students in their pursuit of post-secondary education
and careers in STEM
(Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields. The program serves students
from Fort Pierce Westwood Academy, Fort Pierce Central, and Port St. Lucie High School
who meet eligibility criteria, including being from low-income
households, first-generation college-bound students, or having an academic need. Through
rigorous academic instruction, hands-on STEM activities, field trips, and mentoring,
UBMS helps students strengthen their math and science
skills, build confidence, and prepare for success in college and beyond. By fostering
a passion for innovation and discovery, the program empowers students to achieve their
academic and professional aspirations.
| Janieta Washington | Daniel Lee |
|---|---|
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Director (772) 462-7238 |
Academic Coordinator (772) 462-7239 |
Target Schools
- Fort Pierce Westwood Academy
- Port St. Lucie High School
- Fort Pierce Central High School
Hours Available
Fall & Spring Semesters
Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Summer Semesters
Monday – Thursday, 7:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
