Upward Bound

high school student
Upward Bound assists high-achieving high school students who are low-income or will be the first generation in their family to graduate with a post-secondary degree.
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Educational Talent Search

high school student
Educational Talent Search identifies and serves individuals interested in post-secondary education or vocational training. Guidance activities are offered on various topics such as self-exploration, career decisions, financial aid application, and college registration. The goal of the program is for students to seek to further their education and to be better prepared due to the services provided.
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Educational Opportunity Centers (EOC)

adult student
Assistance for students with specific needs, including veterans, women, non-traditional, returning students, economically disadvantaged, disabled students, first-generation college students and first-generation college attendees. This program helps students overcome barriers and boosts their academic and economic competitiveness.
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Student Support Services

UVU student
Student Support Services works with currently enrolled students to enhance academic development, guide students through college essentials, and inspire successful completion of postsecondary education.
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About TRIO federal programs

What is TRIO

The Federal TRIO Programs (TRIO) are special programs funded by the government. Their job is to help people who might face challenges in education. TRIO focuses on three groups:

  1. Low-income individuals.
  2. First-generation college students
    students whose parents didn’t go to college.
  3. Individuals with disabilities
    people who might need extra support due to health conditions.

TRIO programs are funded through grants given to universities like UVU, public and private agencies, and other organizations instead of funding individual students. Across all TRIO programs, students can receive guidance and mentoring from middle school through to graduate programs after receiving a bachelor's degree. Students must meet eligibility criteria, apply for participation, and live within the service region of their TRIO program.

History of the federal TRIO programs

The trajectory of TRIO Programs is marked by gradual development. Originating from the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964, these programs have evolved over time. 

The Term “TRIO”: By the late 1960s, the collective term “TRIO” emerged to encompass the three original federal programs. Over the years, TRIO Programs expanded their scope, enhancing services and reaching a broader spectrum of students in need. 

These initiatives continue to play a pivotal role in promoting educational equity and opportunity. While there are more than three programs now, the name TRIO stuck and still used today.

  1. Upward Bound: Emerged as the inaugural program, Upward Bound aimed to address poverty-related challenges. Its inception was a response to the administration’s efforts in combating poverty.
  2. Educational Talent Search: Created in 1965 as part of the Higher Education Act, Educational Talent Search focused on guiding students toward higher education opportunities. It acted as a compass for educational exploration.

  3. Student Support Services: Initially known as Special Services for Disadvantaged Students, this program gained authorization through the Higher Education Amendments of 1968. Its purpose was to provide support services to students facing obstacles.

  4. Educational Opportunity Centers: In the 1972 HEA reauthorization, Congress creates the fourth TRIO program — Educational Opportunity Centers (EOCs) — to provide counseling and information on college admissions to adults who want to enter or continue a program of postsecondary education.

Department of Education TRIO Programs

Which TRIO program is right for me?

Upward Bound (UB):

  • Who? High school students from low-income families or families where neither parent has a bachelor’s degree.
  • What? Helps you get ready for college.
  • How? Offers tutoring, mentoring, and cultural experiences and earn college credit.
  • Goal? Boosts high school graduation rates and guides you toward college.

Upward Bound

Educational Talent Search (ETS):

  • Who? High school students from low-income families or families where neither parent has a bachelor’s degree.
  • What? Shows you the college path.
  • How? Guides you through college admissions and financial aid. Offers tutoring, mentoring, and cultural experiences.
  • Goal? Encourages you to go to college.

Educational Talent Search

Educational Opportunity Centers (EOC):

  • Who? Primarily serves adults seeking to enter or continue postsecondary education.
  • What? Offers guidance and support for college access and success.
  • How:  Financial literacy improvement, career counseling, assistance with college applications.
  • Goal? Increase adult enrollment in colleges and universities.

Student Support Services (SSS):

  • Who? Aids college students facing challenges (low income, first-generation, or disabilities).
  • What? Provides academic, career, and financial counseling.
  • How: Regular meetings with advisors,tutoring sessions, workshops on study skills and time management.
  • Goal? Enhance college retention and graduation rates.

Student Support Services