About the Department

Our nation has asserted a commitment to providing educational opportunity for all Americans regardless of race, ethnic background, or economic circumstance. In support of this commitment, Congress established a series of programs to help low-income Americans enter college and graduate. These programs are funded under Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 and are referred to as the TRIO programs. TRIO programs help students overcome class, social, academic, and cultural barriers to higher education.