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.
Here is a short list of some famous TRIO Alumni
Viola Davis
Upward Bound
Oscar, Emmy and Tony award winner
Sen. Raphael Warnock
Upward Bound
Democratic Senator for Georgia
John Quinones
Upward Bound
ABC News “Prime Time Live”
Gwendolynne “Gwen” Moore
Student Support Services
US Congresswoman
Franklin Ramon Chang Diaz
Student Support Services
NASA Astronaut
Angela Bassett
Upward Bound
Academy Award Nominated Actress
Patrick Ewing
Upward Bound
Coach, Olympian and Former Professional Basketball Player
Visit the Federal Trio Page
MCAN (Montana College Attainment Network)
National TRIO Alumni Association
The Council for Opportunity in Education
Montana Technological University
Health Science Building 203
1300 West Park
Butte, MT 59701
Fax: (406) 496-4696