TRIO Programs
History of the Federal TRIO Programs
The history of TRIO is progressive. It began with Upward Bound, which emerged out of the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964 in response to the administration’s War on Poverty. In 1965, Talent Search, the second outreach program, was created as part of the Higher Education Act. In 1968, Student Support Services, which was originally known as Special Services for Disadvantaged Students, was authorized by the Higher Education Amendments and became the third in a series of educational opportunity programs. By the late 1960’s, the term “TRIO” was coined to describe these federal programs.
Over the years, the TRIO Programs have been expanded and improved to provide a wider range of services and to reach more students who need assistance. The Higher Education Amendments of 1972 added the fourth program to the TRIO group by authorizing the Educational Opportunity Centers. The 1976 Education Amendments authorized the Training Program for Federal TRIO Programs, initially known as the Training Program for Special Programs Staff and Leadership Personnel. Amendments in 1986 added the sixth program, the Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement Program. Additionally, in 1990, the Department created the Upward Bound Math/Science program to address the need for specific instruction in the fields of math and science. The Upward Bound Math/Science program is administered under the same regulations as the regular Upward Bound program, but it must be applied for separately. Finally, the Omnibus Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2001 amended the Student Support Services (SSS) program to permit the use of program funds for direct financial assistance (Grant Aid) for current SSS participants who are receiving Federal Pell Grants.
The legislative requirements for all Federal TRIO Programs can be found in the Higher Education Act of 1965, Title IV, Part A, Subpart 2 and can be downloaded here.
Word Document | PDF File
The requirements for the SSS Grant Aid can be found in
Public Law 106-554.
Visit the U.S. Department of Education TRIO Page
TRIO Student Support Services STEM is a federally funded TRIO program designed to serve first generation, income eligible, and students with disabilities.
The TRIO Talent Search (TS) program provides academic, career, and financial counseling to our high school and middle school participants and encourages them to graduate from high school and continue on to the post-secondary school of their choice.
TRIO Upward Bound provides fundamental support to participants in their preparation for college entrance.
The TRIO Upward Bound Math & Science program at Montana Technological University is designed to strengthen the math and science skills of participating students.
ASPIRE, Inc.’s mission is to increase the educational and success opportunities for low-income and first-generation college students through advocacy, professional development, and legislative awareness.
ASPIRE Alumni Membership is available to any person that participated as an TRIO Participant of a TRIO program in the ASPIRE region (Colorado, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wyoming and Utah).
The National TRIO Alumni Association (NTAA) beckons you to a realm of endless possibilities. Our mission transcends mere connections – we’re here to ignite the legacy of TRIO programs and kindle everlasting bonds among alumni, students, and partners.
We believe every young person and adult should have an equal opportunity to prepare for, attend, and graduate from college. Graduation from any category of postsecondary institution should be achievable and not limited by economic status, family background, or disability.
We can answer your questions and help you get started.
1300 West Park
Butte, MT 59701
Fax: (406) 496-4696