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Federal TRIO Programs

The Federal TRIO Programs are educational opportunity outreach programs designed to motivate and support students from disadvantaged backgrounds. TRIO includes five distinct outreach programs targeted to serve and assist students to progress through the academic pipeline from middle school to post-baccalaureate programs. TRIO also includes a training program for directors and staff of TRIO projects.

The history of TRIO is progressive. It began with Upward Bound, which emerged out of the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964 in response to the administration's War on Poverty. In 1965, Talent Search, the second outreach program, was created as part of the Higher Education Act. In 1968, Student Support Services, which was originally known as Special Services for Disadvantaged Students, was authorized by the Higher Education Amendments and became the third in a series of educational opportunity programs. By the late 1960's, the term "TRIO" was coined to describe these federal programs.

Over the years, the TRIO Programs have been expanded and improved to provide a wider range of services and to reach more students who need assistance. The Higher Education Amendments of 1972 added the fourth program to the TRIO group by authorizing the Education Opportunity Centers. The 1976 Education Amendments authorized the Training Program for Federal TRIO Programs, initially know as the Training Program for Special Programs Staff and Leadership Personnel. Amendments in 1986 added the sixth program, the Ronald E. McNair Post-baccalaureate Achievement Program. Additionally, in 1990, the Department created the Upward Bound Math/Science program to address the need for specific instruction in the fields of math and science. The Upward Bound Math/Science program is administered under the same regulations as the regular Upward Bound program, but it must be applied for separately. The legislative requirements for all six TRIO programs can be found in the Higher Education Act of 1965, Title IV, Part A, and Subpart 2.

Upward Bound helps people from families with incomes under $24,000. (where neither parent graduated from college) prepare for higher education. Participants receive instruction in literature, foreign languages, composition, mathematics, and science on college campuses after school, on Saturdays, and in the summer. Currently, 681 are in operation throughout the United States.

Upward Bound Math/Science helps people from families with incomes under $24,000. (where neither parent graduated from college) prepare for higher education in the areas of mathematics or science.

Student Support Services helps people from families with incomes under $24,000. (where neither parent graduates from college) to stay in college until they ultimately earn their baccalaureate degree. Participants, who include disabled college students, receive tutoring, counseling, and remedial instruction. Currently, there are 170, 000. students being served at over 700 colleges and universities nationwide.

Talent Search programs serve young people in grades sic through twelve. In addition to counseling, participants receive information about college admissions requirements, scholarips, and various student financial aid programs. This early intervention program helps young people from families with incomes under $24,000. (where neither parent graduated from college) to better understand their educational opportunities and options. Over 310,000. Americans are enrolled in 319 Talent Search programs.

Educational Opportunity Centers, located throughout the country, primarily serve displaced or under-employed workers from families with incomes under $24,000. These Centers help people to choose a college and a suitable financial aid program. There are over 70 Centers now serving 160,000. Americans.

Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement programs are designed to encourage people from families with incomes under $24,000. and minority undergraduates to consider career in college teaching as well as prepare for doctoral study. Named in honor of the astronaut, who died in the 1986 space-shuttle explosion, students who participate in this program are provided with research opportunities and faculty mentors. About 100 programs currently serve just over 3,300. students.

TRIO Program Web Site - http://www.TRIOprograms.org/