First-generation college students celebrated at Decision Day 2019

SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- Many first generation college-bound seniors gathered at Notre Dame for Decision Day 2019.

About 50 seniors showed off their college choices thanks to the help of ND TRiO.

TRiO is a federal program that helps make sure students receive equal educational opportunities regardless of race, ethnicity or economic circumstance.

Decision Day began five years ago as a way to celebrate these first generation college students.

"A lot of our students have overcome some substantial barriers to get to this moment whether they were personal, academic or financial," said ND TRiO Director, Nijinsky Dix. "For them to get to this point of high school graduation and to decide that I am committed to pursue higher education and to change not only my personal trajectory but the trajectory of my family -- there are no words to describe that feeling"

Before leaving each senior signed a sheet pledging to complete and bring back their four year degree.

For more information on ND TRiO, click here.