What is TRIO?

Our nation has asserted a commitment to provide educational opportunities for all Americans regardless of race, ethnic background, or economic circumstance. In support of this commitment, Congress established a series of programs to help low income Americans enter college and graduate. These programs, funded under Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965, are referred to as TRIO programs.

The term "TRIO" was coined to describe the three original federally funded educational opportunity outreach programs which included Upward Bound, Educational Talent Search, and Student Support Services. Since the development of the three: five additional programs have been added - Educational Opportunity Centers, Training Programs for Special Programs Staff and Leadership, Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement, Upward Bound Math/Science, and Veterans Upward Bound. The primary purpose of TRIO programs is to prepare low-income/potential first generation college students for successful entry into, retention in, and completion of postsecondary education. The Ronald E. McNair program provides support to students who are attending graduate school.

Upward Bound Objectives

In accordance with the U.S. Department of Education, FSU's Upward Bound Program has established the following objectives that guide the programs and services provided by the project:

• Academic Improvement on Standardized Testing
• Program Retention
• Postsecondary Enrollment
• Postsecondary Persistence