U.S. Department of Education Awards $1.4 Million in Grants to Train TRIO Project Directors and Staff

The U.S. Department of Education awarded six grants totaling $1.4 million under the Training Program for Federal TRIO Programs to support training for project directors and staff employed in Federal TRIO Programs. The programs are designed to assist low-income individuals, first-generation college students, and individuals with disabilities to progress through the academic pipeline from middle school to post-baccalaureate programs. The grants were awarded under the Training Program for Federal TRIO Programs.

“TRIO programs provide important services to student populations that have some of the greatest needs,” U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan said. “A well-trained staff is able to better prepare these young people for college and careers.”

The grants are awarded to institutions of higher education, public and private agencies, and organizations that have experience in serving disadvantaged youth and secondary schools. Annual training is provided via electronic and live conferences and webinars; seminars, workshops, and the publication of manuals designed to improve the operation of TRIO projects. Topics covered in the training may include sessions on legislative and regulatory requirements; ways to assist students in applying for financial aid; and strategies for recruiting and serving hard to reach populations.

The training program for federal TRIO directors and staff is one of several outreach and student services programs under the TRIO umbrella. The other programs are:

1. Educational Opportunity Centers
2. Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement
3. Student Support Services
4. Talent Search
5. Upward Bound
Regular Upward Bound
Upward Bound Math-Science
Veterans Upward Bound

The Federal TRIO Programs are administered by the Office of Postsecondary Education. For additional information, visit http://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ope/trio/index.html.

A complete list of the six grant award recipients follows: