History of TRiO  

The TRiO program began with the implementation of Upward Bound. This program emerged out of the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964 in response to the administration's War on Poverty.

In 1965, Educational Talent Search was created as part of the Higher Education Act.

In 1968, Student Support Services became the third in a series of educational opportunity programs.

By the late 1960s, the term "TRiO" was coined to describe these federal programs. Over the years, the TRiO programs have been improved to provide a wider range of services and to reach more students who need assistance.

The Higher Education Amendments of 1972 added the fourth program to the TRiO group by authorizing the Educational Opportunity Centers.

Amendments in 1986 created the Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement Program.

In 1990, the department created the Upward Bound Math/Science program to address the need for instruction in the fields of math and science. This program is administered under the same regulations as the regular Upward Bound program.

Finally, the Veterans Upward Bound program serves military veterans in preparing for entry in and completion of a program of postsecondary education.