The Federal TRIO Programs (TRIO) are federal outreach and student services programs
designed to identify and provide services for individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds.
TRIO includes eight programs targeted to serve and assist low-income individuals,
first-generation college students, and individuals with disabilities to progress through
the academic pipeline from middle school to post-baccalaureate programs. TRIO also
includes a training program for directors and staff of TRIO projects.
History of the Federal TRIO Programs
The Federal TRIO Program began with Upward Bound, which emerged from 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.
Educational Talent Search program identifies and assists individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds who have
the potential to succeed in higher education. The program provides academic, career,
and financial counseling to its participants and encourages them to graduate from
high school and to complete their post-secondary education.
The program publicizes the availability of financial aid and assist participants with
the post-secondary application process. Talent Search also encourages persons who
have not completed education programs at the secondary or post-secondary level to
enter or reenter and complete post-secondary education. The goal of Talent Search
is to increase the number of youth from disadvantaged backgrounds who complete high
school and enroll in and complete their post-secondary education. Upward Bound is
a college preparatory program designed to generate the skills and motivation necessary
for success in post-secondary education among high school students who are low income
and potential first generation college students. The mission of Upward Bound is to
encourage and assist high school students who are traditionally underrepresented in
post-secondary education because of income, family educational background and/or other
relevant federal, state, or institutional criteria, in the preparation for, entry
to, and completion of a post-secondary education.
Find out more information about TRIO Educational Talent Search by contacting: Sherontae
Maxwell - 706.542.7640 - sbolden@uga.edu
Ronald E. McNair Scholars Program (McNair Scholars)prepares selected UGA undergraduate students for graduate study at the doctoral level.
Each year, up to 25 McNair Scholars are selected to participate in both academic and
summer activities. The goal of the McNair Scholars Program is to increase the number
of underrepresented students in doctoral programs. Program Benefits: eight-week paid
summer research program, research & graduate application courses, interactive workshops
& seminars, travel assistance to present research nationally, graduate school tours,
faculty mentorship, counseling and advising sessions, GRE prep classes, cultural events
& activities, networking opportunities, support for publishing research findings and
opportunities for personal & academic development.
Student Support Services (SSS) is a federally funded college retention and completion program. The program focus
is on academic, personal and career support for under-resourced undergraduate students.
Nationally, TRIO SSS programs provide opportunities for academic development, assist
students in meeting college requirements, and motivate students toward successful
completion of their college degree.
The programs promote educational opportunities for undergraduate students. TRIO: SSS
provides academic and personal development opportunities which assist students with
college requirements. These programs motivate students toward the successful completion
of their post-secondary education and promote graduate school enrollment. Opportunities
include individualized coaching and academic tutoring at no cost to the student.
At TRIO SSS our goal is helping our students reach their goals. The TRIO SSS Program
serves 140 students annually.
Upward Bound is a college preparatory program designed to generate the skills and motivation necessary
for success in post-secondary education among high school students who are low income
and potential first generation college students. The mission of Upward Bound is to
encourage and assist high school students who are traditionally underrepresented in
post-secondary education because of income, family educational background and/or other
relevant federal, state, or institutional criteria, in the preparation for, entry
to, and completion of a post-secondary education.
The Upward Bound program consists of an academic year and summer residential component.
During the academic year, Upward Bound participants meet weekly after school for advising,
tutoring and special activity sessions. The six-week summer residential component
is conducted on the campus of the University of Georgia.
Find out more information about TRIO Upward Bound Programs by contacting: Jacquie
Gholston - 706.542.4128 - jgholstn@uga.edu