TRIO FAQ

What is TRIO?

The original TRIO programs were a set of educational opportunity programs in the United States that were created to help limited-income, first-generation college students, and students with disabilities achieve higher education success. The TRIO programs were established as part of the Higher Education Act of 1965 under President Lyndon B. Johnson’s War on Poverty, aiming to increase the college enrollment and graduation rates of these underrepresented groups.

The TRIO programs are named after the three initial programs that were part of the initiative:

1. Upward Bound (UB) (1965): This was the first TRIO program created. It was designed to help high school students from limited-income families and first-generation college students prepare for college. Upward Bound provides academic support, tutoring, college preparation courses, and exposure to college life through summer programs and year-round activities.
2. Talent Search (TS) (1965): This program focuses on identifying and helping middle and high school students who have the potential to succeed in higher education but face barriers due to their socio-economic status or first-generation status. Talent Search provides mentoring, guidance on applying to college, and assistance with financial aid processes.
   
3. Student Support Services (SSS) (1968): This program was designed to support college students who come from limited-income backgrounds, are first-generation college students, or have disabilities. SSS programs provide tutoring, mentoring, academic counseling, financial literacy education, and assistance with career planning and postgraduate opportunities.