TRIO

Special Programs for Students From Disadvantaged Backgrounds

TRIO refers to six programs funded under the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended: Educational Opportunity Centers, the Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Programs, Student Support Services, Talent Search, Upward Bound, and a training program for TRIO staff. TRIO services are focused on students from families whose incomes fall below 150% of the poverty level who may also be among the first in their families to attend, or consider attending, college.

For additional information about TRIO programs, visit this website:  http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ope/trio/index.html.

EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY CENTERS

Educational Opportunity Centers (EOC) provide information regarding opportunities for postsecondary enrollment to low-income adults, often concentrating their services on displaced or under-employed workers. EOC's assist their clients in making informed choices among institutions as well as informed choices regarding financing their enrollment. EOC staff assist participants in applying for financial assistance and attempt to minimize their reliance on student loans.

RONALD E. MCNAIR POST-BACCALAUREATE ACHIEVEMENT PROGRAM

McNair began providing services to students in the 1989-90 academic year. The McNair Program works 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 providing research opportunities for the McNair Scholars as well as faculty mentors able to facilitate their attainment of the student's academic goals.

STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES

Student Support Services projects operate at over 700 colleges and universities. They have as their particular mission increasing the retention and graduation rates of low-income, first-generation students. SSS projects also attempt to increase the number of students transferring from two-year to four-year institutions. Students enrolled in Student Support Services projects are not only provided with academic counseling and personal support from professionals familiar with the difficulties low-income and first -generation 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.

TALENT SEARCH

Talent Search projects operate at colleges and universities, as well as community-based agencies, and work with young people from junior high school through high school graduation. Talent Search counselors work with students and their parents to encourage them to consider college; to make sure they are enrolled in college-preparatory courses, and to assist them in completing admission and financial aid application.

UPWARD BOUND

Upward Bound provides intensive academic and personal support to low-income students, who may also be among the first in their families to consider college. Program services are designed to motivate participants to complete a program of secondary education and to increase their preparation for post-secondary educational study. Students receive instruction in literature, composition, mathematics, science, and foreign language. Program services are scheduled both after school and on Saturdays during the academic year. During the summer students reside on the host college/university campus and attend classes on a full-time basis. VETERANS UPWARD BOUND PROJECTS focus their services on veterans. UPWARD BOUND MATH/SCIENCE PROJECTS provide intensive summer programs to students to prepare then for careers in math and/or science.