Established by a congressional resolution in 1986, National TRIO Day is a day of celebration, reflection and action around increased access to higher education for disadvantaged students: Celebrating the positive impact of federal TRIO programs in our communities throughout the nation, reflecting on the importance of educational opportunity programs in creating a fairer society for all Americans, and acting to protect and further access to higher education for low-income and first-generation students.
Federal TRIO programs help low-income, first-generation students and those with disabilities enter college and earn a degree. Since 1965,more 10.5 million Americans (67 percentfrom economically disadvantaged working families) have benefited from the services of the TRIO programs.
TRIO programs are designed to identify promising students, prepare them to do college-level work, strengthen math and science skills, provide tutoring and support services to students once they reach campus, and provide information on academic and financial aid opportunities.
Currently,more than2,600 projects are hosted atmore than1,200 postsecondary institutions and more than 100 community agencies.
To honor the students that succeeded in college with the support of our nation's TRIO programs, TRIO students, college graduates, administrators, counselors and teachers will celebrate National TRIODay throughout the nation. Student Support Services at Pennsylvania College of Technology will hold its recognition ceremony from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. today in ACC, Room156.
"In many communities throughout America, the TRIO programs are the only programs that help low-income Americans to enter college, graduate and move on to participate more fully in America's economic and social life," said Arnold Mitchem, president of the Council for Opportunity in Education.
For more information about TRIO, please stop by ACC, Rooms 158-162, or e-mail .