TRIO aids low-income students’ college access
COE and its members support millions of low-income, first-generation students through college access and retention services annually.
President Lyndon Baines Johnson never forgot his experience as a young man teaching impoverished children in a Texas elementary school. As part of the Great Society ushered in by his Administration, the United States saw the proliferation of several anti-poverty programs, to include Upward Bound, which was created through the 1964 Economic Opportunity Act. A year later, the Higher Education Act of 1965 created the Talent Search program. In addition to these two programs, in 1968, Student Support Services was rolled out as part of the Higher Education Amendments. Together, the three programs became known as “TRIO” but grew to include four more student programs that followed over the next several decades: Veterans Upward Bound, Educational Opportunity Centers, the Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Program, and Upward Bound Math-Science. In 1976, the federal government added a Training Program for Federal TRIO Programs for professional staff.
Discover the Legacy of TRIO Programs
Don’t miss out on the exclusive TRIO 60th Anniversary Commemorative Timeline
Join us in honoring the educators, students, and advocates who have made TRIO’s 60-year journey possible. As we reflect on the past, we also look forward to continuing the mission of equitable education for all. Since 1964, TRIO programs have empowered millions of first-generation, low-income, and underrepresented students to achieve their dreams of higher education and beyond.
Explore Key Milestones
Immerse yourself in the rich history of TRIO, from its founding under the Economic Opportunity Act to its expansion into a network of life-changing programs. This timeline highlights:
- Groundbreaking legislation that made TRIO possible
- Inspiring stories of TRIO alumni who’ve changed the world
- Milestones in advocacy, funding, and innovation that continue to impact communities nationwide
Celebrate 60 Years of TRIO Excellence
Join us in commemorating this milestone by contributing $60 to COE.
As we mark 60 years of TRIO excellence, we ask TRIO professionals like you to make a symbolic contribution of $60, reflecting our journey and commitment to advancing educational opportunities for all.
Where Your Contribution Goes:
The funds raised will support COE programming that directly impacts TRIO students, such as:
- National Student Leadership Congress: Empowering young leaders to shape the future.
- Keith Sherin Global Leaders Study Abroad: Providing transformative international experiences.
- Thomas R. Wolanin Congressional Internship: Opening doors to D.C. for aspiring leaders.
Impact Beyond Numbers:
Your $60 donation will not only contribute to direct support services for students but also provide relevant training for directors and staff. Your support also has a direct impact on our annual Fair Share campaign. Your $60 donation will count towards each individual’s personal contribution goal of $100 by June 30 in the current giving year. To illustrate, donations before June 30, 2024, will count towards Fiscal Year 2024, while contributions after July 1, 2024, will go towards Fiscal Year 2025.
Media Inquiries
For media inquiries or to arrange an interview, please contact Terrance L. Hamm, Associate Vice President of Communications and Marketing via email: [email protected] or call (202) 347-7430.
News & Impact
Blog
Maintaining Inclusive Campuses After Affirmative Action: Educators Discuss Pathways Forward
Educators say campuses can maintain multicultural, supportive environments in the aftermath of mandates eliminating affirmative action and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) practices. That was the message shared by Robert H. Vela, president of Texas A&M University-Kingsville, Michele Minter, Princeton University vice provost for institutional equity and diversity, and Lorraine Hastings, vice president of the…
Stay Connected
Learn more about how the Council for Opportunity in Education works in conjunction with colleges, universities, and agencies to help low-income students enter college and graduate.