WHAT IS TRIO? Our nation has asserted a commitment to
providing educational opportunities for all
Americans regardless of race, ethnic background
or economic circumstance. In support of this
commitment, through the Higher Education
Act of 1965, Congress established a series
of programs called TRIO to help low-income
Americans enter college, graduate and move
on to participate fully in America’s ec
onomic
and social life. As mandated by Congress, two thirds
of the students served must come from
low-income backgrounds where neither parent
graduated from college. The Higher Education Act of 2008 broadened the definition of who is
eligible for TRIO services to include homeless
youth, those in foster care, English as a Second
Language learners, students with disabilities,
and other disconnected students. In 2014, nearly
2,800 TRIO Programs serve more than 759,000
low-income Americans. The current administration has committed
to have the highest proportion of students
graduating from college in the world by 2020. Part of that effort includes offering additional
financial aid through programs like the Pell
Grant. While student financial aid programs help
students overcome financial barriers in higher
education, TRIO programs provide the mentoring
and advising support needed to help students
overcome academic, class, social and cultural
barriers. TRIO services ensure that educational
opportunity and the American dream remain
available for all students in an increasingly
competitive global economy and world. Programs and Who They Serve:
Talent Search: Grades 6-12 and Adults Up to Age 27
Upward Bound: Grades 9-12
Upward Bound Math/Science: Grades 9-12
Upward Bound Veterans: Preparing & transitioning to college
Student Support Services: Undergraduate Students
Ronald E. McNair Post Baccalaureate: Provides Doctoral Study
Preparation for Undergraduate Students
Educational Opportunity Centers: Adults
TRIO Training Grants: TRIO Professionals Purpose
The primary purpose of the TRIO programs is preparing
disadvantaged students for successful entry into, retention
in, and completion of post secondary education, including
encouragement to pursue graduate education. TRIO in Washington State:
Currently, there are 67 TRIO Programs funded in
Washington State, bringing in over $19 million in federal
funding, serving nearly 16,000 students per year.
