Federal TRiO Programs are educational outreach programs designed to motivate and support students that have been historically underrepresented on college campuses. TRiO includes six outreach and support programs targeted to serve and assist low-income, first-generation college students, and students with disabilities to progress through the academic pipeline from middle school to post-baccalaureate programs. The overarching goal of all TRiO programs is to help students overcome cultural, social, and economic barriers to higher education.

The history of TRIO is progressive. It began with three programs in the 1960s when the term TRiO was coined. The three programs were Upward Bound, Talent Search and Student Support Services. Student Support Services aids students that are already enrolled at a post secondary institution to help them be successful while enrolled, remain enrolled and to help them transfer to a four-year college or on to their career.

TRiO programs are funded through the U.S. Department of Education’s Office on Post-Secondary Education. Funding is authorized by the Higher Education Act (amended August 2008). There are now eight programs under the TRiO umbrella. All programs work to support students at varying levels of the education to transition to the next level. TRiO now also includes one training program for program staff.