TRIO Programs Mission

The TRIO Programs were established by the Federal government to ensure equal educational opportunity for all Americans, regardless of race, ethnic background, or economic circumstances.

TRIO Programs at the University of North Dakota
Upward Bound was the first TRIO program at the University of North Dakota in 1966. Student Support Services was added in 1970, Talent Search was added in 1980, Educational Opportunity Center was added in 1990, and the McNair Post-baccalaureate Achievement Program was added in 1992. All Trio programs are designed to serve first generation students and/or low income students or students with disabilities.

TRIO Programs are sponsored by the University of North Dakota and funded by the United States Department of Education. They are designed to identify and serve promising students (Talent Search) prepare them to do college work (Upward Bound), provide information on academic and financial aid opportunities (Educational Opportunity Center), provide tutoring and support services once they reach campus (Student Support Services), and to encourage and prepare students for doctoral studies (Ronald E. McNair Post baccalaureate Achievement Program). These five distinct programs enable students to progress through the academics pipeline from middle school to post baccalaureate studies.