Maria Abbonato named Assistant Director of TRIO Student Support Services

Heartland Community College has filled a position to support college students with traditionally disadvantaged backgrounds. 

Maria Abbonato has been named Assistant Director of TRIO Student Support Services. 

In her new position, Abbonato manages the programming and services of Project RISE, the College’s TRIO program, including academic, personal, career, and transfer counseling in support of program goals of student retention, graduation, and transfer. 

Project RISE is an essential support service, providing opportunities for a diverse target population of students who are low-income, first-generation, and/or have a disability. 

Abbonato advances to this position from her role as a Peer Mentor with Project RISE. She is a recent graduate of Illinois State University where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree with studies in Human Development and Family Services. 

TRIO Student Support Services receives federal funding from the Department of Education. 

About TRIO programs

TRIO is not an acronym; it refers to a number (originally three, now eight) of U.S. federal programs to increase access to higher education for economically disadvantaged students. Federal TRIO Programs include Talent Search, Upward Bound, Upward Bound Math/Science, Veterans' Upward Bound, Student Support Services, Educational Opportunity Centers, the Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Program, and Training Grants.