The Federal TRIO Programs (TRIO) are outreach and student services programs designed to identify and provide services for individuals with varying needs. TRIO includes many different programs targeted to serve and assist student access and successful completion at a post-secondary institution. Students in TRIO programs can progress through the academic pipeline starting in middle school to post-baccalaureate programs. TRIO students include those that are first in their families to go to college, have a limited income, or have a disability. These programs are funded by the US Department of Education. GVSU TRIO staff serve approximately 2,400 first-generation and/or low-income participants.
What are Federal TRIO Programs?
Federally Funded
Higher Education Focused
Support
The Federal TRIO programs began after the enactment of the Higher Education Act of 1965 and continue to receive government funding more than sixty years later!
TRIO includes 8 programs targeted to serve and assist participants in progressing through the academic pipeline from middle school to post-baccalaureate programs.
The TRIO programs were the first national college access and retention programs to address the serious barriers to education in America.
Nationally, more than 3,100 programs serve close to 800,000 low-income/first-generation students and students with disabilities – from sixth grade through college graduation. TRIO programs provide academic tutoring, personal counseling, mentoring, financial guidance, and other supports necessary for educational access and retention. TRIO programs provide direct support services for students and relevant training for both directors and staff.
TRIO programs create necessary avenues for students from various backgrounds to succeed in school and gain access to help, both financially and academically. Often first-generation, low-income individuals struggle to find the social, academic, and financial capital to pursue and succeed in higher education.
National First-Generation College Student Day
Sunday, November 8, 2026
All Day
Grand Valley State University hosts a series of events during the week November 2-6, 2026, to celebrate the first-generation college students at our university.