Shortly after spring graduation, a group of TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) students from Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute embarked on an unforgettable journey through Philadelphia, to Boston, Massachusetts, and ended in Hershey, Pennsylvania. This multi-city trip exemplified TRIO’s mission: to empower first-generation, low-income, and underrepresented college students through academic enrichment, cultural immersion, and transformative experiences that extend beyond the classroom.
Although the first night was spent in Philadelphia, time didn’t permit the group to fully explore its historic sites—an area rich in the foundational history of American democracy, leadership, and civic identity, which align with TRIO’s commitment to developing informed and engaged citizens.
In Boston, students walked part of the Freedom Trail, visited the iconic Old North Church, and toured the historic USS Constitution—known as “Old Ironsides”—where they engaged with Navy personnel and asked questions about naval history and service. These moments offered a powerful look into the nation’s founding and the people who shaped it.
Students also spent time around Harvard Square, exploring museums, libraries, and bookstores at their own pace. This exposure to one of the world’s most prestigious academic institutions helped students imagine their possibilities in higher education. A behind-the-scenes tour of Fenway Park gave them a glimpse into the cultural significance of American sports and the city’s unique spirit. The day concluded with a scenic Boston Harbor dinner cruise, where students reflected on their experiences while taking in the city skyline from the water.
The trip’s final leg took students to Hershey, Pennsylvania, where they explored Chocolate World, learned about the chocolate-making process, and experienced the town through a guided trolley tour. Though lighter in tone, this stop was a meaningful reminder of American innovation and entrepreneurship.
“Trips like this are at the heart of what TRIO SSS stands for—expanding students’ horizons, building their confidence, and helping them see themselves as part of a larger world,” said Emily Garrison, Director of TRIO Programs. “By stepping out of their comfort zones, experiencing new places, and connecting with our country’s history, culture, and institutions, our students return more motivated, more aware, and more prepared to pursue their goals.”
TRIO SSS supports students academically and provides opportunities like this to develop leadership, communication skills, cultural competency, and personal growth. For many participants, this was their first time traveling outside the region or visiting a major U.S. city—making the experience all the more impactful.