ABOUT TRIO PROGRAMS

SSS and SSS STEM are federal TRIO programs. The purpose of TRIO programs is to provide college access and success opportunities for first-generation students, students whose families have limited-income, and students with disabilities. TRIO programs provide academic tutoring, advising/counseling, mentoring, financial guidance, and other support services necessary for educational success. Over a million students receive services through the programs each year. The programs are funded through grants with the U.S. Department of Education.

TRIO includes eight programs assisting participants with progressing through the academic pipeline from middle school to post-baccalaureate programs.

• • • Talent Search programs serve young people in grades 6 through 12 helping youth to better understand their educational opportunities and options.
    • Upward Bound prepares students for higher education through academic courses during the school year and the summer. UB provides intensive mentoring and support for students as they prepare for college entrance exams and tackle admission applications, financial aid, and scholarship forms.
    • Upward Bound Math-Science provides students with a rigorous math and science curriculum in high school to encourage and enable them to successfully major in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) disciplines in college. The programs use a similar model to Upward Bound.
    • Student Support Services works to enable students to stay in college until they earn their degrees. Recent studies of Student Support Services found that program participation resulted in statistically significant higher rates of student retention and graduation, improved grade point averages, and credit accumulation.
    • The Ronald E. McNair Post-baccalaureate Achievement program is designed to encourage low-income students and minority undergraduates to consider careers in college teaching as well as prepare for doctoral study. Students are provided with research opportunities and faculty mentors. This program was named in honor of the astronaut who died in the 1986 space-shuttle explosion.
    • The Veterans Upward Bound program provides basic skills development and short-term remedial courses for military veterans to helps them successfully transition to postsecondary education. Veterans learn how to secure support from available resources such as the Veterans Administration, veterans associations, and various state and local agencies that serve veterans.
    • Educational Opportunity Centers serve displaced or underemployed workers. These Centers help individuals choose a college and a suitable financial aid program.
    • TRIO Training Grants provide relevant training for directors and staff.