About TRiO
TRiO is education opportunity for low-income students. In 1965, Congress established a number of programs to help low-income students enter college. These programs were created under Title IV of the Higher Educational Act of 1965.
TRiO began with Upward Bound, which was initiated out of the Economic Opportunity act of 1964 as a response to the administration’s “War on Poverty”. In 1965, Educational Talent Search was created and Student Support Service came in 1968. Over the years, more programs were added to reach more students who need assistance. Most recently added is the TRiO Dissemination Partnership, which was established in 1998.
Over 1000 colleges, universities, community colleges and other agencies now offer TRiO programs. The programs at Boise State University include Upward Bound, Educational Talent Search, TRiO Dissemination Partnership, Student Success Service, College Assistance Migrant Program, High School Equivalency Program and Multicultural Educational Opportunity.
Educational Talent Search
The Educational Talent Search (ETS) program is designed to assist economically and educationally disadvantaged students. This program supports secondary students through graduation and assists them in enrolling at post-secondary institutions. Typical students are limited income, first generation and college bound, and are in need of assistance to expand their educational opportunities.
Boise State University’s ETS program supports about 1400 students (7th through 12th grade) at numerous schools in Ada, Canyon, and Owyhee counties.
ETS educational specialists provide services to students individually and in small groups on a weekly basis. Students receive information to help them become successful in school, graduate and enroll in post-secondary education. Instruction and information include effective study habits, goal setting, enrolling in college-bound classes, career information and interest testing, college admissions, and navigating the financial aid and scholarship process.
Additionally, ETS students are given the opportunity to attend college and career fairs, career workshops, local college tours and participate in the TRiO National Day of Service and the Hispanic Youth Symposium. Juniors and seniors have the opportunity to visit out-of-state colleges and universities as well.
Upward Bound
The Upward Bound program prepares and motivates high school students that are low income, first generation, and college bound, for success in education beyond high school. Students from Caldwell, Nampa, Borah, Capital, Meridian, and Owyhee High schools take Upward Bound classes at their schools during the academic year and participate in a six-week summer residential program on the campus of Boise State University.
The academic year program includes daily instruction in current events, college prep math, literature, language arts, career and college exploration, and science as well as academic tutoring. Additionally, students are given the opportunity to attend the Boise College Fair, local college visits, Hispanic Youth Symposium and Upward Bound Math-Science programs.
The summer program includes college preparation courses, workshops, enrichment classes, and extracurricular activities. Students model the college-going experience by living in the dorms and taking classes in college classrooms. Students also participate in weekly service learning activities and an out-of-state college tour.