Disabled students are also eligible.
Over 1,750 TRIO programs currently serve nearly 700,000 students. TRIO programs help students overcome class, social, academic, and cultural barriers to higher education. Named in honor of the astronaut who died in the 1986 space-shuttle explosion, students who participate in this program are provided with research opportunities and faculty mentors. About 100 programs currently serve 3,300 students. The Student Support Services program helps students stay in college until they ultimately earn their baccalaureate degree.