TRIO Programs consist of federally-funded college opportunity programs that motivate and support students from disadvantaged backgrounds in their pursuit of a college degree. 790,000 low-income, first-generation students and students with disabilities, from sixth grade through college graduation are served by over 2,800 programs nationally. TRIO programs provide academic tutoring, personal counseling, mentoring, financial guidance, and other supports necessary for educational access and retention. TRIO programs provide direct support services for students, and relevant training for directors and staff. Over 1,000 colleges, universities, community colleges, and agencies now offer TRIO Programs in America. TRIO funds are distributed to institutions through competitive grants.
History of TRIO
TRIO began as part of President Lyndon B. Johnson's War on Poverty. The Educational Opportunity Act of 1964 established an experimental program known as Upward Bound. Then, in 1965, the Higher Education Act created Talent Search. Finally, another program, Special Services for Disadvantaged Students (later known as Student Support Services), was launched in 1968. Together, this "trio" of federally-funded programs encouraged access to higher education for low-income students. By 1998, the TRIO programs had become a vital pipeline to opportunity, serving traditional students, displaced workers, and veterans. The original three programs had grown to eight, adding Educational Opportunity Centers in 1972, Training Program for Federal TRIO programs in 1976, the Ronald E. McNair Post-baccalaureate Achievement Program in 1986, Upward Bound Math/Science in 1990, and the TRIO Dissemination Partnership in 1998.
TRIO PROGRAMS ON THE CAMPUS OF MERCER UNIVERSITY
Student Support Services
Connell Student Center
1501 Mercer University Drive
Macon, GA 31207
(478) 301-2686
Student Support Services projects work to assist first generation and low-income students in their endeavor to stay in college until they earn their baccalaureate degrees. Participants, who include students with disabilities, receive tutoring, counseling and financial guidance and mentoring. Students are now being served at 947 colleges and universities nationwide. The Student Support Services Program is supported 100 percent by a $1.1 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education.
Upward Bound
Old Admissions Welcome House
1501 Mercer University Drive
Macon, GA 31207
(478) 301-2099
Upward Bound helps youth prepare for higher education. Participants receive instruction in literature, composition, mathematics, and science on college campuses after school, on Saturdays and during the summer. Currently, 964 projects are in operation throughout the United States. The Upward Bound Program is supported 100 percent by a $2.7 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education.
Educational Opportunity Centers
640 Plum Street
Macon, GA 31201
(478) 301- 2440
Educational Opportunity Centers located throughout the country primarily serve displaced or underemployed workers from families with incomes under $33,075. These Centers help people to choose a college and a suitable financial aid program. There are 124 Educational Opportunity Centers in America serving 195,000 individuals. Educational Opportunity Centers Program is supported 100 percent by a $2.3 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education.
Office of Nontraditional and Evening Services
160 Henry Parkway
McDonough, GA 30258
(678) 547-6455
The Office of Nontraditional and Evening Services is a TRiO Student Support Services that serves the Regional Academic Centers in Douglas, Henry and Macon. The project works to assist first generation and low-income students in their endeavor to stay in college until they earn their baccalaureate degrees. Participants, who include students with disabilities, receive tutoring, counseling and financial guidance and mentoring. Students are now being served at 947 colleges and universities nationwide. The Student Support Services Program is supported 100 percent by a $1.1 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education
Source content provided by Council For Opportunity in Education.
