History of TRIO Programs
The history of TRIO is progressive. It began with Upward Bound, authorized by the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964 in response to President Lyndon Johnson’s War on Poverty. In 1965, Talent Search, the second outreach program, was created a part of the Higher Education Act. In 1968, Student Support Services, which was originally known as Special Services for Disadvantaged Students, was authorized by the Higher Education Amendments and became the third in a series of educational opportunity programs. By the late 1960’s, the term “TRIO” was coined to describe these federal programs.

Over the years, TRIO Programs have expanded and improved to provide a wider range of services and to reach more students who need assistance. There are now 8 TRIO Programs:
Student Support Services, Educational Opportunity Centers, Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement, Talent Search, Upward Bound Math-Science, Upward Bound, and Veterans Upward Bound.

U.S. Department of Education SSS Mission
Student Support Services (SSS) is a federally funded TRIO Program, which purposes to increase the college retention and graduation rates of its participants. We also purpose to foster an institutional climate supportive of the success of its participants. For more information, visit U.S. Department of Education Student Support Services.