Absolute Priority 4 Training
2026 Training Information
Upcoming In-Person Trainings:
February 18th-20th, 2026 - Atlanta, GA
May 6th-8th, 2026 - Location TBD
Upcoming Virtual Trainings:
Virtual Training Options Coming Soon
About Priority 4
The TRIO Training and Empowerment Center will be providing Absolute Priority 4 Training for the 2025-26 academic year through Virtual and In-person professional learning opportunities.
Speakers and trainers for the event include Grand Valley State University leadership staff, TRIO directors and consultants, and other experts in the field.
Absolute Priority Training 4 will develop and grow skills surrounding admissions operations, financial aid, financial and economic literacy, and general TRIO and U.S. Department of Education knowledge. By increasing their qualifications and skills, training participants will be more qualified and adept at the following:
- Being familiar with federal financial aid applications, financial literacy services, and admissions best practices
- Using this knowledge in daily service delivery.
When staff skills are increased in these domains, they are more likely to be able to deliver model services to their participants. As a result of their engagement, staff knowledge and understanding of Federal TRIO Programs will be increased, within the context of project objectives and topics, and the use of this knowledge in daily project management.
What is TRIO Priority 4?
TRIO Priority 4 is a designated training focus established by the U.S. Department of Education to enhance the capabilities of TRIO program personnel in three critical areas:
Student Financial Aid: Equipping staff with comprehensive knowledge of federal financial aid programs, particularly those under Title IV of the Higher Education Act (HEA), to effectively assist students in securing necessary funding for their education.
Admissions Policies and Procedures: Providing insights into college and university admissions processes to guide students through application requirements, deadlines, and selection criteria, thereby improving their chances of acceptance into postsecondary institutions.
Financial and Economic Literacy: Developing strategies to educate students on managing personal finances, understanding credit, budgeting, and making informed economic decisions, which are essential skills for academic and life success.
By focusing on these areas, Priority 4 aims to empower TRIO staff to better support students from disadvantaged backgrounds in navigating the complexities of higher education financing and admissions.
What Will You Learn from Priority 4?
Engaging in Priority 4 training enables TRIO personnel to:
Understand Financial Aid Programs: Gain in-depth knowledge of federal financial aid options, including grants, loans, and work-study opportunities, to effectively advise students on available resources and application processes.
Navigate Admissions Processes: Learn the intricacies of admissions policies and procedures across various institutions, enabling staff to assist students in preparing strong applications and meeting necessary requirements.
Promote Financial and Economic Literacy: Acquire tools and methodologies to teach students essential financial skills, such as budgeting, saving, and understanding credit, fostering their ability to make sound financial decisions during and after their academic journey.
By mastering these competencies, TRIO staff can provide comprehensive support to students, enhancing their ability to access higher education opportunities and achieve long-term financial stability.