For nearly 60 years, the TRIO programs have been a cornerstone of educational opportunity in the United States. Originating from the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964, TRIO programs have expanded access to higher education for over six million Americans, creating pathways from middle school to doctoral degrees.
By serving low-income, first-generation students and students with disabilities, TRIO has played a pivotal role in breaking cycles of poverty and opening new doors of opportunity.
From participant to scholar and leader
I know firsthand the transformative power of TRIO. Growing up in a household where college seemed out of reach, I enrolled in the Savannah State University Upward Bound program as a high school student. That decision changed my life.
With the support of dedicated TRIO professionals, I received academic mentoring, college preparation guidance and exposure to career pathways I had never imagined possible. TRIO didn’t just prepare me for college—it equipped me with the confidence and skills to lead. I went on to pursue higher education, earning multiple degrees, becoming a scholar, a community collaborator and a military veteran committed to service.
But the impact didn’t stop with me. Drawing from the values instilled in me through TRIO, I have spent years working to expand educational access in underserved communities. Today, four of my five children are college graduates, with one having earned a master’s degree in fine arts. I have seen the ripple effect of TRIO firsthand—one student’s success can break the cycle of poverty and open doors for generations to come.
TRIO Programs have lifelong impact
TRIO’s influence extends far beyond individual academic achievement. Its impact is visible in families and communities nationwide, with participants achieving educational milestones that shape their futures and those of generations to come.
Research shows that TRIO students are 47% more likely to earn an associate degree or transfer to a four-year institution and 18% more likely to earn a bachelor’s degree compared to their low-income peers (U.S. Department of Education, 2022).
These outcomes are critical given the persistent challenges faced by low-income families. In 2023, approximately 37.9 million Americans lived below the poverty line—a staggering 12.7% of the U.S. population (U.S. Census Bureau, 2023).
For families living at 150% of the poverty threshold (roughly $32,340 for a family of three), these challenges are compounded, particularly in states like Arkansas, Mississippi, New Mexico, and Oklahoma, where poverty rates are significantly higher (Center for Budget and Policy Priorities, 2023).
Breaking cycles of poverty
TRIO programs, particularly Upward Bound, exemplify the transformative power of education. Upward Bound’s intensive support model often ignites a chain reaction of success that extends through families and across generations.
By equipping students with essential academic skills, mentorship and college preparation, Upward Bound enables participants to graduate from high school, persist in postsecondary education and achieve career success. This impact is not theoretical—it is grounded in real stories like mine and countless others.
According to the Council for Opportunity in Education, more than 90% of Upward Bound students graduate from high school on time, and approximately 86% enroll in postsecondary education immediately following graduation (COE, 2023).
Call for inclusive support
TRIO programs exemplify the belief that education is the most effective tool for social mobility and economic empowerment.
Ensuring that all disadvantaged students have equitable access to these programs is not just a matter of fairness—it’s an investment in the nation’s future. Regardless of political climate or shifting regulations, policymakers, educators, and community leaders must remain committed to preserving and expanding TRIO’s reach.
As John Adams, one of the founding fathers, once said, “The whole people must take upon themselves the education of the whole people and be willing to bear the expenses of it. There should not be a district of one mile square, without a school in it, not founded by a charitable individual, but maintained at the public expense of the people themselves.”
TRIO programs are more than just educational initiatives; they are lifelines for thousands of families striving for a brighter future. Let’s work together to ensure that those lifelines remain strong, inclusive, and impactful for generations to come.
References
- Baum, S., Ma, J., & Payea, K. (2013). Education Pays 2013: The Benefits of Higher Education for Individuals and Society. College Board.Center for Budget and Policy Priorities. (2023). Poverty in the United States. Retrieved from www.cbpp.org
- Council for Opportunity in Education (COE). (2023). TRIO Program Data. Retrieved from www.coenet.org
- U.S. Census Bureau. (2023). Income and Poverty in the United States: 2023. Retrieved from www.census.gov
- U.S. Department of Education. (2022). National Center for Education Statistics: TRIO Program Report. Retrieved from www.ed.gov
