“TRIO” is not an acronym but refers to the three original federally funded programs created to expand educational opportunities for disadvantaged students—Upward Bound, Educational Talent Search, and Student Support Services.
These programs were among the first national efforts to address social and cultural barriers to higher education, launched as part of President Lyndon B. Johnson’s War on Poverty.
- Upward Bound began in 1964 under the Economic Opportunity Act.
- Educational Talent Search followed in 1965 through the Higher Education Act (HEA).
- Student Support Services was added in 1968 during the first reauthorization of the HEA.
Over time, TRIO expanded to seven programs, including Educational Opportunity Centers, Veterans Upward Bound, Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement Program, and Upward Bound Math/Science.
Today, more than 3,100 TRIO programs serve over 800,000 low-income, first-generation, and disabled students nationwide—from middle school through college graduation. These programs provide tutoring, counseling, mentoring, financial literacy, and other resources essential for college access and success.
At Wallace Community College, three TRIO programs are offered: Student Support Services, Educational Talent Search, and Upward Bound—continuing the mission to help students reach their educational and career goals.