TRIO History
Started here in 1965
TRIO is a set of federally funded college opportunity programs that motivate and support students from disadvantaged backgrounds in their pursuit of a college degree. More than 900,000 low-income, first-generation students and students with disabilities are served by over 3,100 programs nationally. Within the state of Texas, TRIO serves over 62,000 students. TRIO programs provide academic tutoring, personal counseling, mentoring, financial guidance, and other supports necessary for educational access and retention. TRIO also provides direct support services for students, and relevant training for directors and staff.
The TRIO programs were the first national college access and retention programs to address the serious social and cultural barriers to education in America. TRIO began as part of President Lyndon B. Johnson's War on Poverty. The Educational Opportunity Act of 1964 established an experimental program known as Upward Bound. Then, in 1965, the Higher Education Act created Talent Search which was signed on the Texas State University Campus. As such, Texas State is recognized as the birthplace of TRIO programs in the TRIO community.
In addition, another program, Special Services for Disadvantaged Students (later known as Student Support Services), was launched in 1968. Together, this “trio” of federally funded programs encouraged access to higher education for low-income students.
LBJ Legacy The War on Poverty
A growing movement:
The Higher Education Act of 1965 was signed at Texas State University by President Lyndon B. Johnson
Created by the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964 and the Higher Education Act of 1965 signed on the Texas State Campus by our most famous Alumnus President Lyndon B Johnson, TRIO Programs focus on outreach and student service to identify and provide services for underrepresented students across the country. Today, TRIO has surpassed 1 billion dollars in annual funding, serving over 62,000 students in Texas and over 900,000 students nationally. With bipartisan support in both the House and Senate, TRIO Programs are projected to continue to grow, providing greater opportunity for students in all 50 states.
76,000 Over 76,000 Students in Texas
880,000 Over 880,000 Students nationally
TRIO Footprint in 2022-23: Project Sites Throughout the U.S. and Other Jurisdictions
Click here for information on TRIO programs across the country
Since 1965, TRIO programs have helped America’s low-income and first-generation college students access and complete higher education. What began as 3 programs at fewer than 1,000 project sites is today 8 programs at nearly 3,000 project sites. This includes projects in all 50 states, Puerto Rico, and other jurisdictions (e.g., Guam, Federated States of Micronesia, Northern Mariana Islands, etc.).