Yeshiva and seminary students want a brighter future. TRIO (Theological Research Institute Online), an online platform to help a student receive college credits, does just that. It is an intricate journey from religious study to professional life, and many yeshiva and seminary students find themselves at a crossroads. Balancing the pursuit of higher education with the commitment to Torah learning can be challenging.
TRIO, which began in 2009 in partnership with SUNY Empire State College, offers a unique solution for yeshiva and seminary students. The program allows students to earn college credits through TRIO while continuing their religious studies, and then transfer those credits to an accredited institution to complete their degree. The program’s success has been remarkable, with 85% of yeshivas now working with TRIO, and an increasing number of seminaries joining the program.
Here are five key elements that set TRIO apart:
- Career Guidance Based on Research Tools: TRIO provides students with personalized career guidance, helping them explore options that align with their strengths and goals. This approach is critical, especially for students who are unsure about what to do and how to balance their religious commitments with the need to support a family.
- Convenience and Support: Recognizing that traditional college experiences can be inconvenient for yeshiva and seminary students, TRIO offers dedicated customer service to ensure a smooth and easy educational journey.
- User-Friendly Online Platform: TRIO’s online platform is designed to be intuitive and accessible, with all necessary information—courses, review materials and tests—available in one place. This makes it easier for students to manage their studies.
- Multiple Degree Options: TRIO offers a range of degree options from various colleges, allowing students to choose the institution that best fits their needs. The program is transparent about its offerings, advising students if a particular career path may not align with TRIO’s strengths.
- Comprehensive Support From College to Graduate School: TRIO provides ongoing support as students transition from college to graduate school, helping them navigate the complexities of the educational system and achieve their long-term goals.
TRIO has opened doors for many yeshiva and seminary students, enabling them to earn degrees such as JDs, MSWs, MBAs and other high-level qualifications. These graduates have gone on to secure meaningful jobs both in the United States and Israel, contributing to their communities and being able to provide for their family.
Additionally, TRIO has forged partnerships with special education schools, allowing students to gain field experience and earn credits simultaneously. The program also offers incentives for those working as Chabad emissaries, providing them with the opportunity to earn credits for their work.
TRIO’s dedicated career guidance office is led by Ben Rapaport who joined, in an executive capacity, in 2019. His life has always been intertwined with both the values of the Modern Orthodox Jewish community and the pursuit of education. Growing up in Great Neck, New York, Rapaport attended the Hebrew Academy of the Five Towns and Rockaway (HAFTR), a hub of Jewish learning and values. Like many in his community, he spent time in Israel, where he was deeply influenced by his studies at the Mir Yeshiva. His passion for Torah learning continued as he moved on to the Lakewood Yeshiva in the United States.
But Rapaport’s journey didn’t stop there. After years of teaching, he realized that his calling was broader than just religious education. He pursued a master’s degree in family therapy, which opened doors for him to work directly with yeshiva students, helping them navigate the often daunting path of supporting a family while maintaining their commitment to Torah learning.
Later, Rapaport joined forces with Shor Yoshuv, creating programs that empowered post-yeshiva students to learn about how to support themselves financially. His dedication and expertise quickly made him the go-to person for students seeking guidance on their future careers. Rapaport’s unique approach combined practical career advice with a deep understanding of the students’ religious and personal commitments.
Rapaport’s journey took a significant turn when his younger brother suggested collaborating with the Lakewood Yeshiva to address the broader challenges faced by yeshiva students in transitioning to the workforce. This collaboration quickly expanded, with Rapaport flying in from Israel once a month to guide hundreds of students.
His desire to better serve these students led him to pursue a second master’s degree in applied psychology under the guidance of Martin Seligman, a pioneer in positive psychology at the University of Pennsylvania. This experience introduced Rapaport to the possibilities of online education platforms, which eventually became a cornerstone of TRIO.
Working alongside Rabbi Aaron Kotler, president emeritus of Beth Medrash Govoha in Lakewood, Rapaport helped to develop a career guidance program that provided yeshiva students with the direction they needed to succeed in the secular world. This program was designed to help students discover their strengths, identify meaningful career paths, and achieve their goals—all while staying true to their religious values.
“Our approach at TRIO is highly customized to each student’s needs, providing clarity on their best options,” Rapaport explained. “We stand out for our methodology in assessment and guidance, as well as our flexibility and quality. We offer the highest quality education at a lower cost than a traditional four-year degree.”
For students who want to fast-track their master’s degree or spend more time in yeshiva, TRIO is an ideal choice. With prerecorded online courses, the ability to use yeshiva learning as coursework, and self-study options, TRIO provides a flexible, affordable and effective pathway to higher education.
In a world where the transition from religious study to professional life can be daunting, Ben Rapaport and TRIO offer a guiding light, ensuring that students can pursue their dreams without compromising their values. They provide a unique solution, enabling students to earn college credits while still immersed in their religious studies, thus paving the way for a seamless transition into their future careers.
For more information: https://trio.academy
Arnie Draiman is a philanthropic consultant helping people and foundations give their tzedakah money away wisely, efficiently, and effectively for over 25 years—and has lived in Israel for 40 years. In addition, he consults to hi-tech startups, and is an expert in social media marketing and promotion. He can be reached at: [email protected]
