Our nation has committed itself to provide educational opportunity for all Americans regardless of race, ethnic background, or economic circumstance. TRIO is a vehicle for fulfilling that commitment. TRIO programs help students overcome academic, social, cultural and class barriers to higher education. As mandated by Congress, two-thirds of the students served must be first generation, low income college students.
First generation is defined as families in which neither parent holds a baccalaureate degree.
Over 2,300 TRIO projects currently serve nearly 780,000 low-income Americans between the ages of 11 and 27. The diversity of students serviced is representative of the ethnic and cultural makeup of America. Over 12,00 college, universities, community colleges, and agencies now offer TRIO projects in America. TRIO funds are distributed to institutions through competitive grants.