Tried & True Strategies (with a Dash of Creativity!)
At Tried & True Education, we take recruitment seriously—but we also know that the best way to recruit students for TRIO programs is to blend tried-and-true strategies with a little creativity and a lot of heart. So, we did what any curious education company would do: we surveyed TRIO directors from all over the country to learn their best recruitment tips, tricks, and even some secrets that make their programs stand out.
The result? A treasure trove of golden recruitment advice from the experts themselves. Whether you’re an old pro looking to refresh your approach or a newbie hoping to make a splash, you’ll find something useful (and maybe a little quirky) here. So, grab a cup of coffee, and let’s dive into the world of TRIO recruitment!
It Starts with Student Engagement (and Sometimes QR Codes!)
First up, let’s talk about good old-fashioned face-to-face recruitment. Many TRIO programs start by meeting students where they are—in the classroom, at campus events, or through orientation sessions. Renato De Los Santos from LNESC Dallas, for example, shared that his team hosts “on-campus presentations in classrooms and cafeterias,” which sounds like a solid plan—after all, who can resist a little TRIO talk with their lunch? They also post QR codes on signs around campus to make it as easy as possible for students to sign up for more information. (Because who doesn’t love a QR code these days?)
Jessica Sierra from CSU Monterey Bay agreed that in-person interaction is key. Her program sets up tables at open houses and admitted students days. But she also pointed out that word-of-mouth can be just as effective. “We provide holistic advising services, and students tell their friends about TRIO,” she explained. Who needs a marketing budget when you’ve got happy students spreading the word?
Let Students Recruit for You—With Style!
Speaking of peer-to-peer recruitment, let’s talk about one of the coolest ideas we’ve heard: Lidia Alfaro Chavez from Volunteers of America Los Angeles has her students hand out “small laminated recruitment business cards with a QR code and our logo” to their friends.
These handy cards not only make recruitment look sleek, but they also empower students to share their experience with others in a quick, efficient way. It’s like being your own PR team—but with way less stress!
Want Applications? Time to Spin the Wheel!
Who doesn’t love a little friendly competition? At Western Texas College, Jan McClain added a bit of game show magic to her recruitment strategy. She shared that her program uses a “spinning wheel where students can win prizes after submitting a completed application.” It’s kind of like “Wheel of Fortune,” but for education!
Incentives like gift cards or prizes keep students engaged and, let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a little swag? Several other programs added that they raffle off gift cards during study hall sessions for students who fill out applications. It’s recruitment, but with a fun twist.
Community Outreach: Where the Magic Happens (and Lunch Helps)
Building strong relationships in the community is another cornerstone of successful TRIO recruitment. Amy King from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, shared a fun (and smart) strategy for engaging school counselors. “If I go to lunch with a community partner and get to know them a bit better, they’re more likely to refer people to me,” she explained. “I even offer to bring Chick-Fil-A or Starbucks to counselors—it’s a little money out of my pocket, but it’s worth it for that relationship-building.”
Now that’s what we call a delicious way to make connections! Amy’s efforts don’t stop there—she also reaches out to halfway houses and jail reentry programs, ensuring her EOC services are accessible to everyone.
Social Media to the Rescue!
Let’s be real—students are online, a lot. So, why not meet them where they are? Many TRIO programs are getting creative with their social media presence. Hosting live Q&A sessions, featuring Instagram takeovers, and sharing student success stories are all ways TRIO programs are boosting their visibility. Plus, nothing gets students interested like seeing their peers having a great time—and possibly scoring a few prizes along the way.
Timing Is Everything: Hit High-Traffic Events
Finally, some of the best recruitment opportunities come from good timing. DeShawn Fuller-Gough from Volunteers of America Los Angeles makes sure to recruit during school registration events, when both students and their parents are present. She explained that her team also hosts “Welcome to the Program” lunches and after-school socials at the beginning of each semester to make new students feel right at home. After all, the best time to hook new students is when they’re already thinking about school—and a welcome lunch doesn’t hurt either!
Final Thoughts: Tried, True, and a Little Bit Fun
As we’ve learned from our friends in the field, recruiting for TRIO programs is all about blending tried-and-true methods with a splash of creativity and a dash of personal connection. Whether you’re setting up tables at events, handing out QR codes like business cards, or bribing—I mean, treating—school counselors with a little Chick-Fil-A, there are endless ways to reach students and make your program stand out.
At Tried & True Education, we believe that recruitment doesn’t have to be boring (or difficult). With a little inspiration from the TRIO directors we surveyed, you can build a recruitment strategy that not only works but also makes the process more enjoyable—for you and your future students. So, here’s to successful recruitment, lots of new faces in your programs, and maybe a prize wheel or two along the way!
Best Practices for TRIO Recruitment:
Engage directly with students through classroom presentations, campus tabling, and events like orientation or open houses.
Leverage word-of-mouth referrals by ensuring current students and alumni have a positive experience—they’ll do the marketing for you!
Incorporate technology by using QR codes on posters, flyers, and business cards to make it easy for students to access information.
Use peer-to-peer recruitment—give students tools like small promotional cards or incentives to share TRIO opportunities with friends.
Offer incentives such as gift cards or small prizes to encourage students to complete applications or attend info sessions.
Build relationships with community partners and school counselors, even if it means buying a few coffees or lunches—connections matter.
Get creative with social media—run Q&A sessions, feature student takeovers, and share real success stories to engage potential recruits.
Time your outreach strategically, such as during school registration events, so you can engage students and parents when they’re already thinking about the future.
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