"Connected" - Erik Austin - Director, TRIO Student Support Services

Join us as we sit down with Erik Austin, a remarkable first-generation college graduate and the dedicated Director of TRIO Student Support Services at Westminster College (PA). Erik shares his compelling journey, revealing how an initial ambition to pursue law evolved into a profound passion for empowering students through the TRIO programs. Discover what inspired his pivotal career shift and hear insights from his extensive experience, including his tenure as the past president of the Pennsylvania Association of TRIO Programs. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the transformative power of TRIO and the unwavering dedication of its advocates.   Community Announcement Links: TRIO Nation - Call your congressional representatives to defend TRIO! The most recent proposed budget aims to eliminate TRIO programs. Alumni, participants, and advocates are encouraged to reach out to their senators and representatives. Let them know…TRIO Works!   A heartfelt thanks to our individual donors and Patrons on Patreon Dr. Jamie Motley Dr. Ryan Barone Dr. Jeff Nepute Angelica Vialpando Angelica Valdez Rosario Riley Eric LaMaster Jeff Kahlden Felicia Rivera Jaded Electronics A huge thanks to our corporate sponsors TRIOjoblist.com NOSOTROS Education Center (NEC) TheTRIOstore.com powered by Proforma Longsdale Publishing StudentAccess   Cover Art and Voice Over Work Cover Art: Raul Perez Voice Over Ad for Longsdale Publishing and StudentAccess: Amelia Castaneda Voice Over Ad for NOSOTROS Education Center: Karla Sandoval   The Let’s Talk TRIO Podcast Team John Russell: Music Composer, Music Performer, Audio Engineer, and Post-Production Editor Amelia Castaneda: Script Supervisor, Marketing Manager, Social Manager, and Producer Juan M. Rivas: Executive Producer & Host   Follow us on YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram Visit the Let’s Talk TRIO Podcast Webpage