About
TRIO programs were established by the U.S. Department of Education and began with three (hence the name "TRIO") programs over 50 years ago. The Student Support Services programs were established in 1968. Today, there are 8 types of TRIO programs, including SSS, Educational Talent Search, Upward Bound, McNair, and Equal Opportunity Centers. All TRIO programs have the same goals: to make a college education more attainable to those eligible and to increase the likelihood of a student's success of completing their college education.
There are over 1000 SSS programs around the country supporting 200,000+ students every year!
Who participates?
Each year SSS serves at least 160 qualified students and STEM-HS serves at least 120 qualified students, in accordance with U.S. Department of Education guidelines. All participants must meet the qualifying criteria of either being first generation, low income, and/or having a documented physical or learning disability.