If you’re the first person in your family to attend college, it can be very difficult to navigate the process of choosing a college, applying for admission and figuring out how to pay for it. It can also be a challenge for many students once they get to college. That’s why the federal TRIO programs are so important, helping students in Vermont and throughout our country prepare for, and succeed at college. At a time when a college degree is more important than ever to secure a job in our changing economy, we must fight to make sure college is accessible to every student who desires to continue their studies, no matter their background.