Miley shares how Western Iowa Tech - and the TRIO program - helped her find her voice, her purpose, and her people.
When Miley Vermilyea first heard about TRIO Talent Search in sixth grade, she was drawn in by something simple — a bright red Under Armour backpack. What began with that moment turned into years of guidance and support that shaped her entire future.
Miley recently graduated as valedictorian of Lawton-Bronson High School, while also completing her associate’s degree from Western Iowa Tech the day before her high school graduation. As a first-generation college student, she admits that navigating applications, FAFSA, and federal forms was overwhelming. “For my parents, college was never in the picture,” she explained. “Filling out applications was like a different language. TRIO made sure I didn’t have to figure it out alone.”
Talent Search connected Miley to campus visits, scholarships, ACT prep, and even helped cover summer credits so she could stay on track to graduate with her associate’s degree. “They gave me both the resources and the encouragement I needed,” she said.
That encouragement led to remarkable opportunities. This fall, Miley is attending Iowa State University to study animal science and biochemistry. She has already earned the prestigious George Washington Carver Scholarship, covering her tuition for up to four years, and hopes to continue on to veterinary school, specializing in large animal food science.
Looking back, Miley says TRIO was was a lifeline. “They gave me support from my advisors, but also friendships I never expected,” she reflected. “Without TRIO, I wouldn’t be where I am today.”
When asked what advice she would give younger students, her answer is clear: “Join TRIO.”