June 25, 2026
You’ve had a dream of going to college for a while now, but taking the first step can be intimidating, especially if you’re the first person in your family to get a degree. What if you can’t answer all the questions on the application? What is a FAFSA and why is it important? How will you know which classes to take first? How will you pay for everything?
If you’ve asked any of these questions, then the TRIO EOC Resource Fair is the perfect place to start. This annual event provides the support and resources you need to take the next step in your college journey.
Even if you just want to stop by for a snack and ask questions, we think you’ll find this event helpful.
Resource Fair Event Details
TRIO EOC 2026 Resource Fair
Friday, July 21, 2026
11 a.m.-6 p.m.
Gerald R. Ford Fieldhouse
111 Lyon Street Northeast
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Here’s what you can expect at the event.
- Receive personalized help with college applications, FAFSA completion and course registration.
- Learn more about student support programs at GRCC and explore community resources in West Michigan.
- Meet individually with a TRIO EOC staff member to complete any remaining tasks to enroll for the fall semester.
- Listen to Dr. D'Wayne Jenkins, a college professional with decades of experience under his belt, talk about overcoming common barriers in college.
- Hear a fellow student talk about how TRIO has improved their college experience.
- Join an engaging session led by Fifth Third Bank on building your credit story and saving for emergency expenses.
- Don’t forget to enjoy snacks, connect with peers and enter raffles for great prizes!
You can drop in at any point for one-on-one help and leave whenever you need to.
Attendees may register for the event to receive event reminders and updates. Registration is not required.
What Is TRIO EOC?
TRIO programs are federally funded programs dedicated to first-generation, low income and underserved learners. There are seven different programs under TRIO and the Educational Opportunity Center (EOC) is one of them.
TRIO EOC supports first-generation, low income and underserved learners who want to finish their high school diploma or continue their education with a college degree or certificate. We focus on 19+ adult learners, helping them start their GED and the college admissions process. All services from TRIO EOC are completely free.
I Want to Attend the Resource Fair, What Should I Bring?
If you'd like help completing the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid), please bring your 2024 federal tax return (form 1040) and your social security card. A TRIO EOC staff member will assist you one-on-one with your application and laptops will be provided.
Students must complete the FAFSA to find out if they qualify for federal financial aid, including grants, work-study funds and loans.
Completing the FAFSA is the most important thing you can do if you need help paying for college. Without it, college financial aid departments cannot award federal and state grant dollars, scholarships or need-based aid.
What if I Haven't Started on Anything and Just Want to Go to College?
That's perfectly fine! A TRIO EOC staff member can help you get started with the college application process, explore different programs, and connect you with resources to plan your next steps. Together, we’ve got this!