College Access Programs celebrated 38th National TRiO Day

National TRiO Day is celebrated each year on the fourth Saturday in February to bring awareness of the importance of the TRiO grant programs funded by the U.S. Department of Education.

In 2024, TRiO programs throughout the U.S. commemorated the 38th annual recognition of these programs that focus attention on “the needs of disadvantaged young people and adults aspiring to improve their lives if they are to become contributing citizens of the country, and the talent that will be wasted if investment is not made.”

On February 28, 2024, Cincinnati State’s TRiO College Access Programs celebrated National TRiO Day with an information table in the ATLC.

TRiO funding provides educational opportunity and services for low-income, first-generation students and students with disabilities to help these students achieve their academic goals.

The “TRiO” name refers to the three federal programs that were authorized in 1968 to increase higher education access for economically-disadvantaged students: Upward Bound, Talent Search, and Student Support Services.

Cincinnati State hosts two TRiO-supported College Access Programs:

• Student Support Services (SSS) provides holistic services for 180 Cincinnati State students who are either first-generation college students, students with disabilities, or students who meet Federal income guidelines. TRiO SSS has been in operation at Cincinnati State since 1997, and the grant has been extended through 2025.
• The Traditional Upward Bound  program serves over 60 students at Mount Healthy High School. This grant continues through 2027.