IVCC’s Project Success is part of a nationwide federal funded program called TRIO.  

Chris Herman, TRIO director (of 19 years) and head men’s basketball coach said, “The Project Success TRIO Program here at IVCC, is a program that serves approximately 165 students throughout each academic year. The program has a rolling admission process throughout the year until it reaches 165 to 180 students and students may apply at any time throughout the year.  

“Many students hear of our program by word of mouth. 

“Applications are screened to determine if students are eligible. To be eligible, a student must meet one or more of [the following] criteria to be considered for the program: low-income (Pell grant eligible), first-generation (neither parent has a bachelor’s degree) or disability (learning or physical). The student should also have some kind of academic need. 

“Generations and families have been served by Project Success. Project Success has been in existence since 1997 and nearly 5,000 students have been a part of IVCC Project Success.” 

Anastasia Sondgeroth, second year IVCC student shared her experience with Project Success: “You know anyone can show up to their job, just do the work that is required of them and collect their check. But it takes a truly special person to put in the extra work, especially because they do not always get recognized for it and still continue to do so purely because they love to help; and those are the people that work in Project Success.” 

Why is TRIO important to IVCC? 

Herman said, “Disadvantaged students that participate in TRIO (Project Success) are statistically more apt to graduate, graduate and transfer, persist from one year to the next and remain in good academic standing more than eligible students that do not join. 

“I believe all students would benefit from this type of program. I continually remind students that there are no dumb or silly questions and we are here to help you navigate IVCC and beyond.” 

Project Success helps build a sense of family and community for students 

Herman shared, “We provide a family atmosphere that is welcoming and warm to all students. Students know they are not alone, and they are part of the TRIO family and we are here to support them.” 

Sondgeroth shared, “Project Success is more than a counselor to me, they are a friend, a mentor and a supporter. They want you to succeed in your goals, and always make you feel welcome. Project Success is family.”

Ashton Watkins, second year student at IVCC, said, “Project Success has been the biggest contributor to feeling more included in this community. I am not from the Illinois Valley, so having this access to meeting new people and experiencing new things has helped me feel a part of this community.

“The thing I enjoy most about Project Success is how everyone feels like they are a part of a family. The environment they create is super comfortable and supportive, allowing their students to be the best they can be.” 

Aaron Noble, second year student at IVCC, shared, “The people at Project Success have made me feel welcome in just about everything I have done with them, especially my counselor. Project Success has provided me with much-needed counseling that I can access any time, and it has also made it easier for me to connect with peers and staff, and valuable resources at IVCC.”  

What kind of opportunities do Project Success students have access to? 

Project Success offers myriad workshop opportunities throughout the school year, where students have a safe space to ask questions and learn about different topics such as writing techniques, scholarship opportunities, financial literacy, study skills, note taking, math anxiety, test taking strategies and wellness workshops.  

Herman also shared that Project Success “understands that many students face food insecurities. We often have snacks for students and events throughout the year where food is provided. 

“Project Success provides students with different opportunities such as campus visits and cultural enrichment activities. The program most recently took students on a historical tour of Chicago in which they got to sample various cuisines that are unique to the city and culture of Chicago.” 

Sondgeroth said, “I have enjoyed Project Success’ wellness workshops; they help you relax and help teach your life skills for the future. I also find university trips to be extremely helpful because they go a step beyond a simple tour. They also find students who have been at IVCC and connect with them so we can hear directly from students and their experiences.” 

Watkins shared, “The activities I have found most enjoyable are being an active participant in the Project Success Leadership Team because it has allowed me to network with students in my same situation. An additional activity I have enjoyed is the cultural trips we have been on that have allowed me to meet some of the closest people to me now and experience things that people coming from a low-income background would not typically have been able to experience.” 

Noble said, “The university visits helped me develop an idea of where I might want to go after IVCC, and the cultural events were amazing!” 

Some examples of destinations Project Success has traveled to over the last year were the Morton Arboretum in DuPage County, Illinois; the National Museum of Mexican Art in Pilsen, Chicago; and the National Hellenic Museum, Chicago, Illinois. 

Herman said, “The Cultural Enrichment activities or trips that Project Success students participate in are activities that are not readily available to many low-income students from the Illinois Valley region.  

“These trips open the eyes of many of our students to what is out there and where they can potentially go. These trips also reinforce a sense of community among the students, letting them know they can lean on each other in tough times.” 

How has IVCC’s Project Success team impacted students? 

Herman said, “A major benefit of the program is that each student is assigned to a counselor in Project Success. Students receive one-on-one attention from their Project Success counselor with regards to academic advising, personal counseling, transfer assistance and financial literacy.” 

Watkins shared, “Project Success has impacted me in numerous ways. Having a personal counselor has provided me with someone who can help me throughout the college process with a better understanding of my goals and desires. Being a part of Project Success has led to me being a much more successful student because if I need help with anything they will help put me in the right direction as well as being a good support system themselves. 

“I have enjoyed my time in Project Success as they help to not only assist students academically but also make their students’ college experience more fun and exciting. Through workshops and the Project Success Leadership Team I have found a significant boost to both my academic and professional skills.” 

Noble said, “I most appreciate my counselor being there whenever I needed her assistance, or even when I just wanted to talk to her. She helped me to navigate our educational systems whenever I needed guidance, and it has helped me tremendously to get to where I needed to go. 

“Being part of Project Success has given me access to amazing people and resources, and the help I receive through them has been invaluable to my success in my college career and life in general.” 

Sondgeroth shared, “I love being a part of Project Success. I really appreciate how the counselors always have a smile on their faces and are always willing to talk, give advice on life, not just school matters.  

“Because of Project Success, students can strive for the best outcomes in college. They want you to be successful and work hard to help you succeed.”