Student Support Services: History of TRiO

First-Generation students at NAU benefit from this program

Students from disadvantaged backgrounds have benefited from TRiO programs for decades. These federally funded college opportunity programs help motivate and support first-generation college students as they pursue their degrees.

TRiO works- since 1964

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 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.

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