Thanks to previous investments in Federal TRIO Programs, the programs have developed to a point where there are now over 2,000 TRIO in the United Stated and dozens in Arizona.

The programs were first created in 1965 when it was discovered that FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) wasn’t benefitting the low income and first-generation college-goers that could have benefitted the most from it. 

Grant programs have a wide reach by being able to help students from middle school up to college with numerous programs directed at assisting low-income individuals, first-generation college students, veterans, and individuals with disabilities on their journey through the academic pipeline.

Three of the eight available programs include Talent Search, Upward Bound, and Student Support Services, which have been making impacts for decades at places like Yuma’s Arizona Western College and in other schools in Wellton and Parker. 

The programs provide numerous methods of support for students working towards college and working through college that include counselling, information sessions and meetings to let locals know that they can accomplish their goals and there are many people their age that share the same aspirations.

With the implementation of tutoring, personal support, and even grants, the Student Support Services program has grown the persistence rate to 84 percent and helped 455 receive an Associate’s Degree or Certificate; 35 percent of whom transferred to a four-year institution.

Nine of the numerous TRIO programs in Arizona are in place at Arizona State University for both current and prospective students. At ASU, Talent Search helps more than 500 high school students annually with different types of off-campus events and university campus events. With the program, more than 75 percent of participants are enrolled in the core classes required for college admissions by the Arizona Board of Regents. Among the first graduating class, 65 percent enrolled in college, an improvement from the statewide average of 53 percent. 

In numerous aspects, the TRIO programs develop successful students in and out of the classroom. With the addition of key resources that help build well-rounded students, major steps are being made in advancing the vision of the Arizona Education Progress Meter, which aims to improve education for all Arizona youth. With the unique focus on students that have had to overcome difficult obstacles, the pursuit of a college degree has never been more within reach.