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President Biden Continues to Prioritize Federal TRIO Programs in FY 2024 Budget

March 10, 2023 — by Kimberly Jones

The proposed increase will help put many first-generation, low-income students on the path to college access, success, and the American Dream.

The Council for Opportunity in Education (COE) lauds President Biden’s Fiscal Year 2024 budget proposal, which continues to prioritize funding to support the nation’s low-income, first-generation students through investment in the Federal TRIO Programs (TRIO). The proposed increase of $107 million (or 9%) in TRIO would assist students from middle school through graduate post-baccalaureate programs, adult learners, and veterans with the resources they need to prepare for and complete postsecondary education successfully.  

If approved by Congress, this funding increase would allow Federal TRIO programs to move closer towards its goal of providing 1 million students with individualized support services, academic tutoring and individual counseling, financial literacy, and other needed resources to be successful in their academic careers. 

For too long, the rising costs of a college education and inflation have kept the dream of a college diploma out of reach for many, especially students already underrepresented in postsecondary education. By increasing TRIO funding, Congress will help make these dreams a reality for thousands more students and families.

COE President Maureen Hoyler

Currently serving over 880,000 students in every state and many territories, the Federal TRIO Programs were first enacted in the Higher Education Act of 1965. The seven student programs — Talent Search, Upward Bound, Upward Bound Math-Science, Veterans Upward Bound, Student Support Services, Education Opportunity Centers, and Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement — play a critical role in the postsecondary education system by supporting other federal investments, like Pell Grants and other federal financial aid. 

“It is said that a budget reflects one’s values. The Council for Opportunity in Education shares President Biden’s commitment to low-income, first-generation students and their families through the increased investments in postsecondary education, especially through the TRIO programs,” said Council President Maureen Hoyler. “For too long, the rising costs of a college education and inflation have kept the dream of a college diploma out of reach for many, especially students already underrepresented in postsecondary education. By increasing TRIO funding, Congress will help make these dreams a reality for thousands more students and families.”  

Since its inception, TRIO has produced over six million college graduates, including leaders in business, journalism, and politics. Currently, six Members of Congress are alumni of the Federal TRIO Programs: Representatives Gwen Moore (D-WI), Steven Horsford (D-NV), Ilhan Omar (D-MN), Nikema Williams (D-GA), Emilia Sykes (D-OH), and Senator Raphael Warnock (D-GA). 

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The Council for Opportunity in Education (COE) is a nonprofit organization established in 1981, dedicated to expanding college opportunities for low-income, first-generation students and students with disabilities. Through its myriad membership services, the Council works with colleges, universities, and agencies that host federal TRIO programs that help more than 800,000 low-income students and students with disabilities each year receive college access and retention services.

TRIO programs (Talent Search, Upward Bound, Upward Bound Math-Science, Veterans Upward Bound, Student Support Services, Educational Opportunity Centers, and the Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Program) help students overcome economic, social, academic, and cultural barriers to higher education. TRIO services include assistance in choosing a college and tutoring; personal, financial, and career counseling; assistance in applying to college; workplace and college visits; special instruction in reading, writing, study skills, and mathematics; assistance in applying for financial aid; and academic assistance in high school or assistance to reenter high school or college.

Media Inquiries

For media inquiries or to arrange an interview, please contact Terrance L. Hamm, Associate Vice President of Communications and Marketing via email at [email protected] or call (202) 347-7430.

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