
Certificate: TRIO Success Coaching
Empower TRIO professionals to foster belonging while coaching students toward academic and personal success.
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Overview
Course Description: This course prepares new and experienced TRIO professionals to better support student persistence through evidence-based coaching, advising, and relationship-centered practices. Participants explore TRIO’s mission, relevant student-development theories, practical coaching tools, and strategies that foster belonging, resilience, and academic success across TRIO programs. The course also includes a free download of the Student Success Worksheet Bundle. Learners also receive an interactive and downloadable workbook that helps translate concepts into action through reflection prompts, applied activities, and ready-to-use tools for their daily work.
Cost: $495 per person. Contact us for group discounts.
Prerequisite: None.
Format: Asynchronous self-paced course. Start and end the course at your own pace and retain indefinite access.
Length: 20 hours
Instructional Materials: All necessary materials are included in the course and will be available instantly upon enrollment.
Modules
Module 1: Foundation for TRIO Student Success
Module 2: Theoretical Foundation for TRIO Practice
Module 3: TRIO Advising & Coaching Toolkit
Module 4: Establishing Rapport & Credibility with TRIO Students
Module 5: Actionable Coaching Tools for Student Development
Module 6: Fostering Belonging, Matterings, & Persistence
Module 7: Reflection, Goal Setting, & Career Success

What You Will Learn

TRIO Foundations & Student Experience
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Explain the history, mission, and federal intent of TRIO programs supporting access and success.
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Examine how TRIO program structures shape student support across educational stages.
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Identify what students report as most impactful in feeling supported and connected through TRIO.
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Connect TRIO practices to research on retention, belonging, completion, and long-term life outcomes.
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Reflect on professional identity, employee self-care, and career growth through case studies and goal-setting.

Theory-Informed Coaching & Practice
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Translate theory into student-centered coaching and advising strategies across diverse TRIO contexts.
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Identify common student barriers and challenges that hinder academic and personal success.
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Develop strategies to empower TRIO students to overcome setbacks and build resilience.
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Explore ways to foster a growth mindset that encourages students to view challenges as opportunities.
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Facilitate problem-solving techniques that help students navigate obstacles in their academic and personal lives.

Practical Tools, Communication & Student Growth
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Use inquiry-based approaches, proven goal-setting tactics, included worksheets, and tested activities to guide TRIO student progress.
- Strengthen academic skills through metacognition, study strategies, and executive-function supports.
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Build greater trust through ethical practices, active listening, welcoming environments, and effective interpersonal and electronic communication.
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Foster a sense of belonging by creating an environment of trust, care, and empathy.
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Practice applying coaching frameworks to common student situations.
Who should take
this course
Individuals
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Aspiring TRIO professionals in Upward Bound, Talent Search, McNair Scholars, Student Support Services, etc., who are training for this new role or preparing for job interviews, and want to showcase a certification in TRIO student success coaching.
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Newer coaches and advisors who are orienting to their new role
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Experienced TRIO professionals who are ready to take on a new challenge, elevate their impact, increase their skills, and learn more strategies for student success
Teams
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TRIO Programs: Enroll your entire group together for a powerful professional development opportunity. Just like a book club, teams can take the course on the same schedule and then gather for regular discussions along the way. This professional development is great for team building and collaboration, sparking discussions, and will benefit all team members, regardless of experience level. Contact us for group discounts.
New employee orientation programs
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Enroll your employees in this course as part of their orientation, increasing their confidence and setting them up for success from day one.
Reviews
Employees who get professional development opportunities are 15% more engaged and have 34% higher retention than those who don’t.
Harvard Business Review
Why your TRIO program should invest in more professional development for your team
Providing effective TRIO training programs can significantly impact the satisfaction, engagement, and overall success of employees, ultimately impacting student success. Here are key reasons why high-quality training is important for employee retention:
Job Satisfaction: TRIO advisors, like Upward Bound, Talent Search, or McNair advisors, who receive proper training, are more likely to be satisfied with their jobs. Knowing that they have the skills and resources to excel in their roles enhances job satisfaction and contributes to a positive work environment.
Employee Confidence: TRIO training builds confidence among employees by providing them with the necessary tools and knowledge. Working with students in Upward Bound, Talent Search, Student Support Services (SSS), Veterans Upward Bound, Upward Bound Math-Science (UBMS), Educational Opportunity Centers (EOC), and the Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Program is challenging work, and confident employees with a certification in student success coaching are more likely to take initiative, contribute ideas, and remain engaged in their work.
Retention of High Performers: Employees who are high performers are often motivated by opportunities for learning and growth. Providing them with a challenging and meaningful student success coach certification can help retain top talent by satisfying their desire for continuous improvement.
Skill Development: TRIO student success training programs help employees develop the skills and knowledge necessary to perform their jobs effectively. When employees like success coaches and academic advisors feel competent and confident in their roles, they are more likely to stay with the college.
Increased Productivity: Well-trained employees are more productive. They can perform their tasks efficiently and contribute to the overall success of the office. Increased productivity is a positive outcome that can contribute to employee retention.
Career Development: According to research by NACADA, offering employee training like a certification in student success coaching signals to college employees that the institution is invested in their professional growth. When employees see a clear path for career development and advancement within the college, they are more inclined to stay and build a long-term commitment.
Talent Attraction: If you have a reputation for offering excellent employee training and development, you will be attractive to potential employees. This can be a competitive advantage in attracting and retaining top talent.
In summary, by fostering continuous learning and development by offering your team members a certificate in TRIO student success coaching, colleges can create an environment that supports employee retention and long-term success.


















