TRIO overview

TRIO is a set of federally funded college opportunity programs that support students from disadvantaged and underrepresented backgrounds in their pursuit of a college degree.  TRIO programs provide academic tutoring, personal counseling, mentoring, financial guidance, and other supports necessary for educational access and retention.

Grounded in the civil rights movement, UMN TRIO programs in the CEHD strive to ensure equal opportunity and equitable access to higher education along the educational continuum for underrepresented students, specifically those who are low income, first generation, and have disabilities. We promote retention and graduation through advising, academic support, mentoring, and advocacy, thereby cultivating a space for collegiate success and local and global community engagement.

Minnesota TRIO is the professional association for personnel affiliated with TRIO programs throughout the state of Minnesota. MN TRIO is one of eight state chapters which form the Mid-American Association of Educational Opportunity Program Personnel (MAEOPP).

The Council for Opportunity in Education is a non-profit organization dedicated to the expansion of educational opportunities throughout the United States. The council works in conjunction with colleges, universities, and agencies that host TRIO programs to specifically help low-income and disabled Americans enter college and graduate.

The following three TRIO programs are jointly funded by the College of Education and Human Development and the U.S. Department of Education.