What Is TRIO?

Our nation has asserted a commitment to providing educational opportunity for all Americans regardless of race, ethnic background, or economic circumstance. In support of this commitment, Congress established a series of programs to help low-income Americans enter college, graduate, and move on to participate more fully in America's economic and social life.

The programs are funded under Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 and are referred to as the TRIO Programs (initially just three programs). 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.

TRIO programs include:

• Educational Opportunity Centers
• Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Program
• Student Support Services
• Talent Search
• Upward Bound
• Upward Bound Math & Science
• Veterans Upward Bound

"I love this program. It has contributed a lot to my successful year."

"If I were not a part of TRIO, I would be missing out on so many opportunities that help prepare me for the real world."