History of the Federal TRIO Programs
TRIO programs are federally funded initiatives designed to increase college access, success, and graduation for first‑generation students, low‑income students, and students with disabilities.
SAIL is one of 1,027 Student Support Services (SSS) programs across the country.
TRIO began during the 1960s War on Poverty, starting with:
- Upward Bound (1964)
- Talent Search (1965)
- Student Support Services (1968)
These three programs became known collectively as TRIO.
Over the years, TRIO expanded to include:
- Educational Opportunity Centers (1972) for adult learners
- McNair Scholars (1986) for students preparing for doctoral studies
- Upward Bound Math/Science (1990)
- TRIO Dissemination Partnerships (1998)
- Grant Aid for SSS students (2001)
Why It Matters:
TRIO exists to ensure that students who have talent but not always the resources can succeed in higher education.