River Parishes Community College (RPCC) proudly announces that Efrem Marshall, Director of TRiO Services, and Zariah Goff, Education Specialist at RPCC’s Gonzales Campus, were recognized at the 54th Annual Southwestern Association of Student Assistance Programs (SWASAP) Conference and Awards Banquet, held on November 3, 2025, at the Westin Galleria in Houston, Texas.
The prestigious event brought together hundreds of educators and advocates dedicated to advancing educational equity across the Southwest region. Marshall and Goff were honored for five years of exemplary service to TRiO programs—federal initiatives that provide academic guidance, support, and resources to help students achieve their educational goals.
“Working in TRiO is more than just a job—it’s a calling,” said Efrem Marshall, Director of TRiO Services at RPCC. “Every day, we get to walk alongside students who are breaking barriers, many of whom are the first in their families to attend college. Watching their confidence and success grow is the most rewarding part of what we do.”
This marks the second major accolade for Marshall in 2025. Earlier this year, he received RPCC’s Everyday Excellence Award in recognition of his outstanding leadership and impact on student achievement.
TRiO Student Support Services at RPCC is a federally funded grant program committed to helping first-generation students, students who are low-income, and students with disabilities achieve their academic and personal goals.
Through a holistic approach that includes tutoring, mentoring, advising, financial aid support, transfer preparation, and cultural enrichment, TRiO serves as a vital network of support for students pursuing higher education. The program helps participants persist through college and successfully transfer to four-year institutions.
TRiO’s services include:
- Academic Tutoring in subjects such as math, English, and science, as well as study skills and time management.
- Advising and Course Selection Assistance to help students stay on track for graduation and transfer.
- Financial Aid and Economic Literacy Workshops to improve financial decision-making and prepare for continued education.
- Transfer Support and College Tours to connect students with opportunities at four-year universities.
Each year, TRiO SSS at RPCC serves approximately 140 students, providing individualized support and empowering them to succeed academically and professionally.
For more information about RPCC’s TRiO programs, visit www.rpcc.edu/student-services/trio.