TRiO Program

On support of their commitment to education in America, Congress established a series of programs to help low-income Americans enter college, graduate and move on to participate more fully in America's economic and social life. These programs are funded under Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 and are referred to as the TRIO Programs (initially just three programs). While student financial aid programs help students overcome financial barriers to higher education, TRIO programs help students overcome class, social and cultural barriers to higher education.

The first TRIO program at the Tyler Junior College was established in 1997. There are currently two TRIO programs at TJC, serving the unique educational needs of special population students. Participants must qualify according to guidelines set by the U.S. Department of Education.

Eligibility

To qualify for Student Support Services:

• Seeking a 4-year major AND
• First-generation college student (neither adoptive or birth parent has a Bachelor’s degree) OR
• Low income (definition) OR
• Student with a disabling condition (as defined by the ADA)

To qualify for the Educational Opportunity Center:

• Reside in Anderson, Cherokee, Henderson, Smith, Van Zandt or Wood county
• First-generation college student (neither adoptive or birth parent has a Bachelor’s degree) OR
• Low income (definition) OR
• The students must be at least 19 years old and two-thirds of them must be potential first-generation college students and low-income persons. If the services of a Talent Search program are not available in the target area, persons under 19 may be served.