TRIO achievers: The promise of the future

Journal of Negro Education, The, Fall 1998 by Coles, Ann S

This article provides a retrospective look at the collective experience of 332 graduates of the nation's TRIO programs-their postsecondary attainments, the careers they have pursued, and their contributions as volunteers. It profiles 10 of these "TRIO Achievers" and discusses their perceptions of the ways in which TRIO participation contributed to their success. The article concludes that the accomplishments of TRIO graduates demonstrate the value of TRIO programs' direct, student-focused approach to increasing the college-going and success rates of low-income individuals in the United States, over 60% of whom are persons of color.

INTRODUCTION

The United States has long asserted a commitment to provide broad educational opportunities for all Americans regardless of racial / ethnic background, gender, or economic circumstances. In support of this commitment, the U.S. Congress established a series of programs to help low-income Americans enter and succeed in college. Known as the TRIO programs, these initiatives are funded under Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965, the same legislation that authorizes federal student financial aid programs. Although student aid programs help many students overcome the financial barriers to higher education, TRIO programs address the social, economic, academic, and cultural barriers to higher education facing low-income students who are often among the first generation in their families to attend college. Originally comprised of three programs-Upward Bound, Talent Search, and Student Support Services-TRIO today includes the Educational Opportunity Centers, Veterans Upward Bound, Upward Bound Math-Science, and the Ronald E. McNair PostBaccalaureate Achievement programs.

As mandated by Congress, two-thirds of the students served by TRIO must come from families with incomes under $24,000 (for a family of four) in which neither parent has graduated from a four-year college, or they must be students with disabilities. In 1999, TRIO served over 780,000 eligible Americans representing a diversity of populations. Thirty-six percent of TRIO participants are African American, 16% are Hispanic American, 4% are Native American, 5% are Asian American, and 39% are European American. Sixteen thousand, or 2%, are individuals with disabilities. Together, the TRIO programs provide a continuum of college access services targeting students from sixth grade through postbaccalaureate study, including specialized educational services for low-income adults.

The following is a summary of the TRIO programs:

(1) Talent Search-This program serves students in grades 6 through 12 by helping them to understand and plan for their postsecondary options. In addition to providing students with information about college admissions and financial aid, participants receive ongoing guidance and encouragement from Talent Search staff to enable them to realize their college aspirations.

(2) Upward Bound-Upward Bound prepares young people for college through intensive summer academic programs held on college campuses. The program also provides afterschool and Saturday support services during the school year. Upward Bound students receive instruction in reading, writing, mathematics, and science, and participate in cultural and motivational activities. Many form close supportive relationships with program staff, who also serve as mentors and advocates for the students. Though most Upward Bound programs target high school students, a few programs target veterans of the U.S. Armed Services.

(3) Educational Opportunity Centers (EOCs)-EOCs assist adults over 18 years old with planning for postsecondary study. Participants receive information about careers, education and training programs, and financial aid. Staff also help participants work through the process of selecting postsecondary programs related to their needs and interests; completing admission and financial aid applications; and making arrangements for child care, transportation, and other supports they need to enroll and succeed in college.

(4) Student Support Services (SSS)-This program targets students who are academically at risk and helps them to persist and successfully complete postsecondary programs. Its services include tutoring, counseling, developmental instruction, and mentoring. Program staff also focus on helping at-risk students overcome the other cultural and personal barriers that interfere with their academic achievement.

(5) Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Programs-These programs encourage low-income students and students from groups that are underrepresented in graduate education to prepare for doctoral study as well as consider careers in college-level teaching. Students participate in research and other scholarship activities, faculty mentoring programs, summer internships, and workshops that help them prepare for graduate admission.

Unlike many federal initiatives, TRIO is a local program that serves students directly. Over 1,200 colleges and universities, public agencies, and community-based organizations provide TRIO services. TRIO funds are awarded to these organizations and institutions through a competitive grant process. Each program holds a competition every four years. To promote continuity of services for participants, institutions with currently funded TRIO programs have priority in the competition for successfully achieving their performance goals.