Especially the ones most in need of support. Traditional higher education too often fails to support students who are of color, low income, first generation, or working adults, preventing their access to meaningful careers.
These same students are denied access to a critical path to economic security and upward mobility. While more than 70% of new jobs require college degrees, just 23% of Black adults and 14% of low income students hold degrees.
A new model of college that takes on these challenges is now possible. A “hybrid college” is a locally-led degree program that pairs online project-based degrees with in-person support. Students complete online coursework at an accredited partner university while receiving coaching and wraparound supports in person at a small local nonprofit.
Now piloted across a dozen communities nationwide, the hybrid college model has delivered breakthrough graduation and career outcomes.
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A self-paced online curriculum. Projects based on real-world skills -- no lectures or tests.
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Students pay a fraction of the cost of traditional college, and can save money if they work faster.
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Dedicated coaches support students with school, career, and life at an in-person study space.
Trio’s mission is to empower communities to give their students access to a transformative college option. We do this by helping them launch and operate locally-led hybrid colleges. We incubate sites with unique brands, help them grow to recruit students, and connect them with other hybrid college sites for shared learning.
In our first year of operations, we have recruited and trained three new site leaders, formed advisory boards with local civic and education leaders, and fundraised locally and nationally to launch our first wave of sites in Detroit, Newark and Camden.
Trio builds coalitions of local champions to launch sites. Students get in-person support from local coaches.
College should be affordable and self-paced. Trio provides access to degree pathways focused on real-world skills.
Better career outcomes are the goal. Trio's partnerships and career coaching work to improve jobs and incomes.
