TRiO Features

TRIO Programs are very effective and many students from low-income families depend on these programs to succeed academically in high school and college. In fact, since 1965 an estimated two million students have graduated from college with the special assistance and support of our nation's TRIO Programs. In addition, one TRIO Program in particular, the Ronald E. McNair Post-baccalaureate Achievement Program, is one of only a few programs in America that encourages low-income and minority undergraduates to prepare for doctoral study.

Although 11 million Americans critically need to access the TRIO Programs, federal funding permits fewer than 5 percent of eligible youth and adults to be served.

The TRIO Programs were originally established by the federal government in 1965 to ensure equal educational opportunity for all Americans, regardless of race, ethnic background, or economic circumstance.

In many communities, the TRIO Programs are some of the only programs that help students to overcome class, social, academic and cultural barriers to higher education. The educational and human services offered through TRIO Programs are distinguishable from all other counseling programs in America because TRIO Programs are:

One-on-One

As most TRIO Programs serve fewer than 250 students, TRIO counselors have an opportunity to work one-on-one with each student. Unlike traditional counseling programs, TRIO professionals get to know each student on a first-name basis. TRIO counselors are personally committed to the success of their students.

Performance Based

Each TRIO Program operates against specific, measurable outcome objectives as clearly defined in each approved grant proposal. TRIO Program Directors are held accountable and must meet their stated objectives each year if they expect to remain funded and able to help participants in their targeted service area.

Focus on Early Intervention

Two of the TRIO Programs, Talent Search and Upward Bound, are early intervention programs. These programs effectively reach students in grades six through 12 who have "college potential" but often do not recognize or understand their academic and career options beyond high school. Each year, these two programs keep thousands of promising young low-income and minority students in school and focused on career and college success.