Melissa Melgar is a passionate advocate for educational equity with more than 22 years of experience supporting students through the federal TRIO programs. A proud TRIO alumna herself, she participated in Educational Talent Search at Minnesota State University, Mankato; Upward Bound Math and Science at Century College; Student Support Services at St. Olaf College; and McNair at the University of Minnesota. Her experiences as a TRIO student and first-generation college student continue to inspire her commitment to removing barriers and expanding opportunities for students from limited-income, first-generation, and underrepresented backgrounds.

Melissa began her TRIO career as an undergraduate at St. Olaf College, serving as a leader, tutor, and mentor for Educational Talent Search and Student Support Services. She earned a B.A. in Art Education from St. Olaf and received her K-12 teaching license after completing student teaching in Mussoorie, India. Melissa went on to complete her M.A. in Education from Concordia University. She began working with the St. Olaf TRIO Educational Talent Search program and, in 2007, the newly established TRIO McNair Scholars Program.