COLLEGE OF

Education and Human Development

TRIO

Expanding opportunity. Empowering potential.

TRIO overview

TRIO programs at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities guide you every step of the way; from building a strong foundation in highschool with Upward Bound, to excelling in college with Student Support Services, or achieving graduate school degree with McNair. 

Our impact

For over 60 years, UMN TRIO has expanded access to opportunity, helping students become leaders in education, science, health, technology, public service, and more.

Our TRIO programs

TRIO student support services (SSS)

Your success is our goal! College is a journey of possibility. Navigating that journey requires guides, maps and tools. TRIO SSS is your navigational success team. Only 90 incoming first-year students are selected each year to be part of this four-year multi-faceted program that supports, promotes, and increases educational attainment and success at the U!

TRIO Ronald E. McNair program

The federally funded TRIO McNair Scholars program seeks to increase doctoral program application, matriculation, and degree attainment by first generation and TRIO income eligible college students. UMN McNair Exemplifying MPACT 2025. Services to program participants include academic counseling, tutoring, test preparation for the Graduate Record Exam, paid research internships, mentoring, advocacy, and help in applying to graduate schools, and seminars to help prepare for graduate study.

Applications are available in 40 Education Sciences Building, or call 612-625-0772.

TRIO upward bound

TRIO Upward Bound is a college preparatory program for low-income and educationally disadvantaged high school students designed to help generate the skills they need to succeed in postsecondary education. Upward Bound provides comprehensive and intensive support including tutoring and academic skill development for college-bound students.

Our partners

TRIO programs are supported by and housed within the College of Education and Human Development; these federally funded Department of Education programs are dedicated to helping students reach their goals.

  • Campus & community Partners:
    • President's Emerging Scholars
    • First Gen Institute
    • First Gen Student Success Center
    • MCAE
    • Graduate School
    • Admissions
    • Minneapolis Public Schools
  • UMN TRIO is part of a regional and national network committed to college opportunity:
    • Minnesota TRIO – state chapter
    • Educational Opportunity Association (EOA) – regional support
    • Council for Opportunity in Education (COE) – national advocacy

       

Donate to support the legacy of TRIO

TRIO programs have transformed the lives of countless students by providing access, opportunities, and the support needed to succeed. Are you a TRIO alum, imagine the impact your donation can have on future students just like you. We invite all who share a passion for creating educational opportunities and promoting successful student outcomes to join us in supporting TRIO students in their journey. Your donations directly fund scholarships, programming, and resources for TRIO students. Join us in continuing the TRIO legacy.

TRIO program history

Learn about the foundation of the TRIO program, and how it has evolved since.