Challenges with student engagement in TRIO programs often stem from the complex needs of first-generation college students, including potential feelings of isolation, academic pressure, financial concerns, and navigating unfamiliar college systems. These challenges can lead to low participation in program activities and a lack of consistent engagement with support services offered by TRIO programs. Student engagement or re-engagement post-Covid has been the focus of the TRIO community; however, many programs, both pre-college and college, were able to implement innovative strategies and tactics to bring students back into the physical space and fully engage in our programs. However, what happens to programs who were successful in this post-Covid re-engagement but have again experienced a lull in participation? Through a collaborative team approach, active audience involvement, and by providing practical and implementable deliverables, we aim to answer the following questions: (1) how can TRIO programs and professionals maintain momentum to implement innovative and creative strategies to actively engage our students, (2) how do we respond to the shifting needs of students and cyclical changes in engagement, and (3) how do we work collaboratively with our colleagues, both pre-college and college, to maintain engagement, support students, and attain our objectives?
