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TRIO Programs

TRIO Programs

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Trio Strong Group

TCU’s TRIO programs serve to foster the academic growth and progression of students from high school to entry into PhD programs.

TCU hosts two TRIO Programs – the Student Support Services Program which serves 160 TCU undergraduates and the Ronald E. McNair Post-baccalaureate Achievement Program which serves 28 juniors and seniors who wish to pursue doctoral degrees.

All of the TCU TRIO Programs allow students the opportunity to excel with important tools for success, including:

  • Academic tutoring
  • Advisement
  • Counseling
  • Mentoring
  • Community outreach
  • Leadership development
  • Research skills
  • Financial guidance and literacy
  • Internships and networking
  • Other supportive services necessary for educational access and retention

Lesser-income and first generation students are being left behind. Only 38% of lesser-income high school seniors go straight to college as compared to 81% of their peers in the highest income quartile. Then, once enrolled in college low-income students earn bachelor’s degrees at rates less than half that of their high-income peers – 21% as compared to 45%. 

Oftentimes, first generation students, even though college ready, may not be prepared to navigate the college system. TCU TRIO Programs assists students in successfully navigating the college/university system and to graduate with a bachelor’s or advanced degree.

TRIO includes eight programs: 

  • Educational Opportunity Centers
  • Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement
  • Student Support Services
  • Talent Search
  • Training Program for Federal TRIO Programs Staff
  • Upward Bound
  • Upward Bound Math-Science
  • Veterans Upward Bound

These Programs are designed to serve first generation college students, individuals who meet federal income guidelines and individuals with disabilities. Selected participants progress through the academic “pipeline” from sixth grade to post-baccalaureate programs.

TRIO programs provide direct academic support services for students and relevant training for directors and staff. Approximately 2800 TRIO Programs, nationwide provide services to nearly 873,000 participants. Texas alone is currently funded to host 194 TRIO programs, serving 58,403 students.

For more information, visit the U.S. Department of Education’s TRIO website.