What is TRiO?

What is TRiO? 

Cal TRiO DSP SSS is one of nine Federal TRiO programs funded by the U.S. Department of Education that supports eligible students to excel throughout their academic career--from middle school to post-baccalaureate programs. TRiO began with demands for greater access to higher education in the 1960s. It was the first national college access and retention program to address the severe social and cultural barriers to higher education in America. 

The nine TRiO programs include (established date in parenthesis):

  • Upward Bound (1964)
  • Talent Search (1965)
  • Student Support Services (1968)
  • Educational Opportunity Centers (1972)
  • Veterans Upward Bound (1972)
  • Training Program for Federal TRIO programs (1976)
  • The Ronald E. McNair Post-baccalaureate Achievement Program (1986)
  • Upward Bound Math/Science (1990)
  • TRiO Dissemination Partnership (1998)

Each TRiO program provides a variety of supports, including academic tutoring, personal counseling, mentoring, financial guidance, and other services necessary for access to higher education and persistence towards graduation.

Together, these TRiO programs encourage access to higher education for all students.