TRiO History

TRiO is a set of federally-funded college opportunity programs that motivate and support students from disadvantaged backgrounds in their pursuit of a college degree. TRiO programs provide academic tutoring, personal counseling, mentoring, financial guidance, and other supports necessary for educational access and retention. 

Where Did TRiO Originate?

The Federal TRiO Programs were the first national college access and retention programs to address the serious social and cultural barriers to education in America. TRiO began as part of President Lyndon B. Johnson's War on Poverty. The Federal TRIO Programs are federal outreach and student services programs in the United States designed to identify and provide services for individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds. They are administered, funded, and implemented by the United States Department of Education. TRIO includes eight programs targeted to serve and assist low-income individuals, first-generation college students, and individuals with disabilities to progress through the academic pipeline from middle school to post-baccalaureate programs. TRIO also includes a training program for directors and staff of TRIO projects. Their existence is owed to the passing of the Higher Education Act of 1965. TRIO was given its name after the first three programs (Upward Bound, Talent Search, Student Support Services) were implemented.

TRiO Timeline