100 signatures reached
To: The 119th United States Congress
#ProtectTRIO - Protect Federal TRIO Programs – Our Students’ Futures Depend on It
We, the undersigned, urge Congress to reject the White House’s proposal to eliminate funding for the Federal TRIO Programs in the Fiscal Year 2026 budget. These programs have opened doors for millions of hardworking Americans—providing access to higher education, opportunity for advancement, and the tools to build a better future.
TRIO programs serve over 800,000 Americans each year. From rural towns to urban centers, TRIO creates pathways to college and careers for students who work hard and deserve a shot at success.
TRIO is a proven, strategic investment in America.
These eight (8) federal programs help students from working-class families, veterans, and those with limited resources reach their educational goals and contribute fully to our nation’s economy and workforce:
- Upward Bound (UB)
- Upward Bound Math-Science (UBMS)
- Veterans Upward Bound (VUB)
- Talent Search (ETS)
- Student Support Services (SSS)
- Educational Opportunity Centers (EOC)
- Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement Program (McNair)
- Training Program for Federal TRIO Staff
For over 50 years, TRIO has earned bipartisan support in Congress because it delivers results for American families, communities, and the economy.
The results speak for themselves:
- Upward Bound students are more than twice as likely to earn a bachelor’s degree by age 24 than peers in the lowest income quartile.
- Student Support Services participants are 47% more likely to complete a two-year degree or transfer, and 18% more likely to earn a bachelor’s degree than similar nonparticipants.
- Talent Search students are 33% more likely to enroll in college than others from similar backgrounds.
- Veterans Upward Bound participants are 42% more likely to earn a bachelor’s degree within six years.
- McNair Scholars are 78% more likely to enroll in graduate school than similarly situated low-income college graduates.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, students from the highest-income families are four times more likely to earn a college degree than their lowest-income peers. TRIO helps close that gap through practical, results-driven support—not theory.
Beyond individual success stories, TRIO yields economic benefits through increased earnings, reduced dependency on public programs, and stronger participation in the workforce. It’s not just effective—it’s smart economic policy.
But now, these life-changing programs are at risk. Congress is finalizing the FY26 federal budget now.
If we don’t act, these opportunities may disappear for hundreds of thousands of students.
If TRIO is eliminated:
- Students will lose vital academic, financial, and career support.
- Families across America will lose one of the few reliable pathways to higher education.
- Our nation will lose out on talent, innovation, and hard work that fuels our future.
We call on Congress to fully fund the Federal TRIO Programs in FY26.
TRIO opens doors. It builds futures. It drives American success.
What can you do?
What can you do?
- Sign this petition and make your voice heard.
- Call or email your members of Congress and demand full support and funding for TRIO.
- Share this with your networks—your classmates, colleagues, community leaders, and alumni.
Whether you’re a student, parent, educator, veteran, policymaker, or proud supporter of opportunity—this fight belongs to all of us. TRIO is an investment in Americans—and in America.
Support access. Create opportunity. Invest in America.
#TRIOWorks #DefendTRIO #InvestInAmerica #OpportunityForAll
Why is this important?
The Federal TRIO Programs are one of the most effective ways to expand access to higher education for hardworking Americans who face financial and systemic barriers. These programs don’t just change individual lives—they help power our workforce, strengthen our communities, and grow our economy. Eliminating TRIO would be a step backward for our country, undermining decades of progress in expanding opportunity and investing in potential.
Why should YOU join this campaign?
This isn’t just about education—it’s about the future of America. TRIO helps create college graduates, skilled workers, leaders, and taxpayers. When we support TRIO, we invest in people who want to work hard and contribute. By joining this campaign, you’re standing up for access, opportunity, and the belief that every American—regardless of income—deserves a fair shot at success. This is about ensuring that doors stay open for future generations. We need your voice now more than ever.