TRIO Connections for Central Florida

TRIO Connections for Central Florida

The Educational Opportunity Centers (EOC) program is one of the federal TRIO programs, a group of eight outreach programs funded by the U.S. Department of Education designed to support and assist individuals in enrolling in or returning to a post-secondary institution.

TRIO Connections has developed community partnerships throughout Seminole, Orange, and Volusia Counties.  Our services are free to participants and will support participants in the community regarding career/technical educational programs, enrollment, career exploration, tutoring services, financial literacy, and general assistance.

Free Services Provided

  • Skill-building workshops that cover topics such as goal setting, critical thinking, and time management.
  • Engage in hands-on workshops and programs to explore various majors, careers, and workforce certificates.
  • Provide academic advising and career exploration for gainful employment.
  • Help complete applications for trade schools, college/university admissions, testing, and student financial aid such as scholarships and Bright Futures.
  • Guidance with enrollment in GED or adult learning programs. 
  • Educate or counsel services designed to improve students' financial and economic literacy.
  • TRIO team members work with students from groups that are traditionally underrepresented in postsecondary education, students with disabilities, students who are homeless children and youths, students who are in foster care or are aging out of the foster care system, or other disconnected students. 
  • Financial Literacy for Student Financial Aid  Application Assistance for First-Time in College (FTIC) Students
    If you need assistance with completing the application, please email trio@seminolestate.edu
  • Community Members/Parent
    To schedule an appointment, please email trio@seminolestate.edufor assistance with the following:
    • College Application(s)
    • Essay Application(s)
    • Student Financial Aid Information
    • Admission Process
    • Orientation
    • Florida Bright Futures
    • State and Local Scholarships & Grants

Apply to TRIO Connections

Upcoming Events

  • Financial Literacy Workshops 2024
    • Student Financial Aid Literacy (FA 101)
      • In-person or virtual workshops to educate an individual on a variety of student financial aid and how to budget.
    • Community FAFSA Labs
      • In-person workshops to assist individuals with completing any student financial aid application for Federal, State, & Local scholarships and grants.

Appointment Information

Do you have an appointment with a TRIO team member?  Here is a list of required documents for your appointment:

  • FSA ID login and password
  • Personal email and phone number
  • Social Security number and/or Alien Registration number
  • Tax returns, W-2s, and other records of money earned
  • If enrolling in Summer 2025, you will need 2022 tax information.
  • If enrolling in Fall 2025 or Spring 2026, you will use 2023 tax information.

To request a F2F appointment, please review email trio@seminolestate.edu 

***Families that show up 10 minutes after their scheduled appointment time will forfeit their appointment and need to reschedule for another available time slot. ***

Helpful Links:

Contact

Melissa Rosa-Alvarez | Project Manager
407.708.2665 office
TRIO Connections |