TRIO refers to six programs funded by the U.S. Department of Education, initiated as part of Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (which originally provided for three programs). These programs include:

  • Talent Search
  • Upward Bound
  • Student Support Services
  • Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Programs
  • Educational Opportunity Centers
  • TRIO dissemination partnership program

TRIO services are focused on students from families whose incomes fall below 150% of the poverty level and/or where neither parent has graduated from a 4-year college. The five programs providing direct services to students are described below:

EDUCATIONAL TALENT SEARCH: Currently, there are Talent Search projects at 361 sponsoring sites throughout the United States. Counselors at colleges/universities and community-based agencies work with students and their parents to encourage them to consider college, to make sure they are enrolled in college-preparatory programs, and to assist them in completing admissions and financial aid applications.

Historically, Talent Search programs have concentrated their resources on juniors and seniors in high school. However, in response to many recent studies pointing out the need for earlier intervention, the Secretary of Education began encouraging Talent Search projects to begin their efforts at the sixth grade level.

UPWARD BOUND: Upward Bound provides intensive academic and personal support designed to motivate and prepare low-income students and other first-generation students for college. Currently, there are 772 Upward Bound programs located in colleges and universities in all 50 states. Students receive instruction in literature, composition, mathematics and science. Instruction is scheduled both after school and on Saturday during the academic year and in the summer when the students reside on campus and attend classes on a full-time basis at the host college.

Separate Upward Bound projects focus their college-preparatory services on veterans; Veterans learn how to secure support from available resources such as the Veterans Administration, veterans associations, and various state and local agencies that serve veterans. Approximately 4,200 participants are served annually.

In the summer of 1991, the Department of Education began a special initiative to establish regional Upward Bound Mathematics and Science Centers throughout the country. In addition to the traditional instruction offered in mathematics and science by Upward Bound, these regional centers stress mentoring by professionals working in the sciences and research opportunities for the low-income and minority high school students enrolled. Over 124 programs are serving students throughout the country.

STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES: Currently, there are over 796 Student Support Services projects operating at colleges and universities in all 50 states. They have as their particular mission increasing the retention and graduation rates of low-income, first-generation students enrolled as well as increasing the number of students transferring from two-year to four-year institutions. Students enrolled in Student Support Services programs are not only provided with academic counseling and personal support from professionals familiar with the difficulties low-income and minority students encounter on campus, but also with tutoring and remedial instruction to assist them in overcoming difficulties they may experience as a result of poor academic preparation.

RONALD E. MCNAIR POST-BACCALAUREATE ACHIEVEMENT PROGRAMS: These programs were initiated in the 1989-90 academic year to work with low-income and minority undergraduates, encouraging them to consider careers in college teaching and preparing for doctoral study. A particular focus of this program is to provide research opportunities for the McNair scholars as well as faculty mentors able to facilitate the students’ attainment of their academic goals. There are currently 156 programs across the country, serving 3,641 students.

EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY CENTERS: 82 EOCs provide information regarding opportunities for postsecondary enrollment to low-income adults, often concentrating their provision of services with displaced or under-employed workers. EOCs assist their clients in making informed choices among institutions as well as informed choices regarding financing their enrollment. EOC staff assists students in applying for Pell and other available assistance and attempt to assist them in minimizing their reliance on student loans.