TRIO Programs

University Access Programs

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About TRIO

Sponsored by the U.S. Department of Education, TRIO programs strive to provide services to first-generation college students, low-income students and students with disabilities who are seeking their bachelor’s degree.

TRIO Student Support Services

Student Support Services

Abilene Christian University’s Student Support Services (SSS) Program is a TRIO program administered by University Access Programs. SSS seeks to improve the retention and success of historically disadvantaged college students. The SSS office provides support to students who are first generation, Pell Grant eligible, and/or living with disabilities.

Contact Us

Phone: (325) 674-2415
Email: sss@acu.edu

TIRO Talent Search at Abilene Christian University

Talent Search

Talent Search projects serve young people in grades 6-12. In addition to
counseling, participants receive information about college admissions
requirements, scholarships and various student financial aid programs.
This early intervention helps youth from low-income families to better
understand their educational opportunities. 80% of participants enrolling in
postsecondary institutions immediately following high school graduation.

Contact Us

Phone: (325) 677-1444, Ext. 5567
Email: acutalentsearch@gmail.com

Upward Bound

Upward Bound (UB) is an intensive intervention program that prepares younger students for higher education through various enrichment courses. Campus-based UB programs provide students instruction in literature, composition, mathematics, science and foreign language throughout the year. UB also provides intensive mentoring and support for students as they prepare for college entrance exams and tackle admission applications, financial aid and scholarship forms.

Contact Us

Phone: (325) 674-2448
Email: upwardbound@groupmail.acu.edu

The TRIO programs were the first national college access and retention programs to address the serious social and cultural barriers to education in America. TRIO began as part of President Lyndon B. Johnson’s War on Poverty. The Educational Opportunity Act of 1964 established an experimental program known as Upward Bound. Then, in 1965, the Higher Education Act created Talent Search. Finally, Special Services for Disadvantaged Students (later named Student Support Services), was launched in 1968. Together, this “trio” of federally funded programs encouraged access to higher education for low income students. By 1998, the TRIO programs were a vital pipeline to opportunity, serving traditional students, displaced workers and veterans.

The original three programs grew to nine with the following additions:

  • 1972 – Educational Opportunity Centers and Veterans Upward Bound
  • 1976 – Training Program for Federal TRIO programs
  • 1986 – Ronald E. McNair Post-baccalaureate Achievement Program
  • 1990 – Upward Bound Math/Science
  • 1998 – TRIO Dissemination Partnership

Click the button to learn more about TRIO programs directly from the U.S. Department of Education.

 

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