Federal TRIO Programs were established to support the nation’s commitment to provide educational opportunity for all Americans to enter college, graduate, and move on to participate more fully in realizing “America’s Economic and Social Dream.”
These programs are funded under Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 and are referred to as TRIO programs because initially there were just three programs Upward Bound, Talent Search and Student Support Services.
The number has now expanded to include Educational Opportunity Centers, Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement Program, Upward Bound Math & Science and Veterans Upward Bound.
While student financial aid programs help students overcome financial barriers to higher education, TRIO programs help students overcome class, social, and cultural barriers to higher education.
The educational and human services offered through the TRIO programs are distinguishable from all other counseling programs because TRIO programs are:
- Performance Based
- Focused on Early Intervention
- Built on Relationships
- Committed to Tough Cases
- Comprehensive and Cultural
- Reality Based
- Community Based