Triton College Introduces Troy Care Collective to Support Student Needs

RIVER GROVE, Ill. —Triton College is proud to introduce the Troy Care Collective, a network of supportive services that provides critical resources to promote student well-being and academic success.

Rolling out this fall semester, the Troy Care Collective takes a holistic approach in working to meet the various needs of Triton students by offering support in key areas, including mental health, education, transportation, personal care and housing.

Triton College Dean of Students Julia Willis said this new initiative prioritizes ensuring that students’ basic needs are met so they can excel in their education.

“Basic needs support is academic support,” she said. “When we care for the whole student, we support the whole journey.”

The Troy Care Collective consists of four core programs:

• Troy Mart: Provides food and hygiene supplies to students facing financial challenges. Students can order items ahead through an online platform and pick them up discreetly.
• Troy Rides: Offers transportation assistance for students experiencing barriers getting to and from campus.
• Troy Safe Haven Program: Offers immediate safe housing through local shelter and hotel partnerships. Also offers financial support for rent, deposits and utilities, and childcare assistance and referral networks for student parents.
• Troy Style Station: A clothing closet for students, ensuring they have access to necessary attire for school and work. The closet offers clothing options appropriate for business, business casual, or everyday attire.

Willis said the need for such resources is underscored by recent data on Triton’s student body. In a 2024 survey of 164 respondents, 43 students self-reported experiencing homelessness or being at risk of homelessness. FAFSA data also identified seven students as unhoused in the 2024-25 academic year. Additionally, 39 percent of students qualify for Federal Pell Grants, which helps lower income students finance their education.

According to Willis, the Troy Care Collective was a natural step for the college to take and reflective of Triton College’s mission: Valuing the individual, educating and serving the community.

“If we have students who are struggling to pay their rent, get food, or are on the verge of homelessness, how can we expect them to maintain their academic focus,” Willis said. “This is another avenue for us to support our students. By making sure they get their basic needs met, we can help them meet their goals.”

For more information about the Troy Care Collective, visit Student Services on Triton College’s website at triton.edu/students/student-services.

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Media Contacts:
Melissa Ramirez Cooper | melissacooper@triton.edu | 708-456-0300, Ext. 3496
Hunter Oberst | hunteroberst@triton.edu | 708-456-0300, Ext. 3820

ABOUT TRITON COLLEGE
Triton College is an institution of higher education dedicated to student success. Triton offers more than 120 degree and certificate programs designed for students to realize their career aspirations and effectively compete in a global economy. The college campus spans 110 acres in River Grove, Illinois, holds classes at satellite locations and offers online learning opportunities. Triton’s exemplary faculty and staff work to provide high-quality, convenient and affordable educational opportunities to more than 10,000 students each year. Triton College is a member of The Community Colleges of Illinois and accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Learn more at triton.edu.