Idaho Support Programs

TRiO Idaho

Our nation has asserted a commitment to providing educational opportunity for all Americans regardless of race, ethnic background or economic circumstance. In support of this commitment, Congress established a series of programs to help low-income Americans enter college, graduate, and move on to participate more fully in society. These programs are funded under Title IV of the Higher Education Opportunity Act and are referred to as the
TRiO programs (initially just three programs, now encompassing eight unique programs).

As mandated by Congress, two-thirds of the students served must come from low-income backgrounds with neither parent having graduated from college. More than 2,800 TRiO Programs currently serve nearly one million low-income Americans.

The primary purpose of the TRiO programs is to prepare disadvantaged individuals for successful entry into, retention in, and completion of post-secondary education. In general, these programs identify low income, first-generation college students and students with disabilities and provide them with assistance, support and encouragement necessary to complete a post-secondary education.

Federal TRiO Programs (Educational Talent Search, Upward Bound, Upward Bound Math Science, Veteran’s Upward Bound, Student Support Services, Educational Opportunity Center and the Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Program) help students to overcome class, social, academic and cultural barriers to higher education.

TRiO services include: assistance in choosing a college; tutoring; personal and financial counseling; career counseling; assistance in applying to college; workplace and college visits; special instruction in reading, writing, study skills and mathematics; assistance in applying for financial aid; and academic assistance in high school or assistance to reenter high school or college.

To find out how you can get connected to a TRiO program near you, contact your school counselor.