TRIO programs

What is TRIO?

Our nation has made 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 America's economic and social life. These programs are funded under Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 and are referred to as the TRIO Programs (initially just three programs). While student financial aid programs help students overcome financial barriers to higher education, TRIO programs help students overcome class, social and cultural barriers to higher education.

Learn more about TRiO


TRIO programs

  1. Student Support Services

    Discover how Binghamton University’s Student Support Services promote academic success and personal growth. Student Support Services (SSS) and Student Support Services – STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) are free programs designed to improve the retention and graduation rates of low-income, first-generation or disabled college students.

    Both SSS programs offer their participants academic, career and personal counseling as well as tutoring and assistance in obtaining financial aid. They also provide workshops and seminars on a variety of topics including computer literacy, study skills, time management and career exploration. In addition, SSS students are given the opportunity to attend cultural enrichment events.

    Learn more about Student Support Services.

  2. McNair Scholars Program

    Discover how Binghamton University’s McNair Scholars Program motivates and supports students from disadvantaged backgrounds. Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement prepares qualified undergraduate students who are interested in eventually earning a PhD for doctoral studies. Participants are low-income, first-generation or from historically under-represented groups.

    The McNair Scholars Program ensures that participants receive counseling and academic advisement. They also receive training in research methods and information skills sufficient for continuation at the graduate level. In addition, the program provides opportunities for summer research internships and other research experiences throughout the academic year.

    Learn more about the McNair Scholars Program.

  3. Educational Talent Search

    Educational Talent Search identifies and assists high school students from disadvantaged backgrounds who have the potential to succeed in higher education. The program provides academic, career and financial counseling to its participants and encourages them to graduate from high school and continue on to the post-secondary institution of their choice.

    Talent Search also serves high-school dropouts by encouraging them to reenter the education system and complete their education. The goal of Talent Search is to increase the number of youths from disadvantaged backgrounds who complete high school and enroll in post-secondary education institutions of their choice.

    Learn more about the Educational Talent Search.

  4. Upward Bound

    Upward Bound is a free program that serves high school students from income-eligible families, and families in which neither parent holds a bachelor's degree. The goal of Upward Bound is to prepare participants for high-school graduation and to increase the rate at which they enroll, attend and ultimately graduate from, colleges and universities.

    Learn more about the Upward Bound program.