Council for Opportunity in Education

National TRIO Day

On February 24, 1986, a congressional resolution (H. Con. Res. 278) declared that Saturday, February 28, 1986, should be designated as “National TRIO Day” to commemorate the annual achievements of the Federal TRIO programs in communities across the country.

For many programs, National TRIO Day has become a tradition.

Raise awareness about the importance of educational opportunity for low-income, first-generation students.

In 2026, we mark a milestone moment: the 40th anniversary of National TRIO Day. For decades, TRIO has ensured that talent, determination, and ambition—not income or background—define a student’s future. More than six million TRIO alumni have gone on to earn degrees, pursue meaningful careers, strengthen the nation’s workforce, uplift their families, and serve their communities. National TRIO Day is an annual reminder that when we invest in students from low-income, first-generation backgrounds, the returns are profound—measured not only in diplomas and professional success, but also in expanded civic engagement, generational mobility, and lasting social impact.

DOWNLOAD THE ACTION GUIDE

Need Help Planning?

Download the 2026 National TRIO Day Action Guide for resources as you approach your community-wide event.

Help make TRIO Day a community-wide event by engaging the support of your school and community, as well as nearby corporations and businesses. Additionally, we strongly advise you to invite your representatives in Congress to experience #NationalTRIODay in action. The National TRIO Day Action Packet includes sample invitation letters, media advisories, and other materials to assist you with promoting TRIO Day in your community.

make your celebration impossible to forget

Ways to participate

A Day of giving

For many programs, National TRIO Day has become a tradition as it allows students who benefit from the TRIO programs to give back to their local communities through acts of service. In past years, National TRIO Day celebrations have included some of the following activities.

  • Building homes with Habitat and Humanity
  •  Organizing voter registration drives
  •  Raising awareness about TRIO through visits to the State Capitol
  •  Reading to children at the local library
  •  Cleaning a park, river or other public area
  •  Assisting the Salvation Army, Red Cross, United Way or local non-profit
  •  Volunteering at the Humane Society, soup kitchen or local animal shelter

 

Planning Worksheets
Terrance L. Hamm

From Iowa to Louisiana, TRIO Day Commands National Attention 

February 20, 2024

On February 24, 1986, a congressional resolution declared that Saturday, February 28, 1986, should be designated as “National TRIO Day” to commemorate the annual achievements of the Federal TRIO programs in communities across the country. Every year since then, the TRIO community reserves the fourth Saturday in February as National TRIO Day.
Read More
Holly Hexter

How Communities Across the Country Plan to Celebrate National TRIO Day

February 21, 2023

TRIO communities in states across the U.S. are gearing up to mark National TRIO Day with a range of activities involving students, staff, campus and community leaders, and state and national policymakers.
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Use #NationalTRIODay on social media!

Please be sure to send pictures and news clips about your TRIO Day activities to COE Vice President for Communications and Marketing Terrance Hamm at [email protected] and Digital Media Manager Trauvello Stevenson at [email protected]!

 

 

Upcoming Events

Enhance the services you provide low-income, first-generation students and students with disabilities to increase their chances of success.