Welcome to TRiO at Palo Verde College

At Palo Verde College, first-generation and disadvantaged students benefit from the Student Support Services Program and the Upward Bound Program that TRiO offers. These federally funded college opportunity programs help motivate and support first-generation and disadvantaged college students pursuing their degrees.

Meet Your TRiO Team

Liz Manjarrez Trio Director 760.921.5490 lizbeth.manjarrez@paloverde.edu

What is TRiO

The Federal TRIO Programs (TRIO) are Federal outreach and student services programs designed to identify and provide services for individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds. TRIO includes eight programs targeted to serve and assist low-income individuals, first-generation college students, and individuals with disabilities to progress through the academic pipeline from middle school to postbaccalaureate programs. TRIO also includes a training program for directors and staff of TRIO projects.

History of TRiO

TRiO began in 1964 with the implementation of Upward Bound, which was created as part of the Economic Opportunity Act in response to the administration's War on Poverty. Educational Talent Search was then established in 1965 as part of the Higher Education Act, followed by Student Support Services in 1968. These programs were collectively referred to as TRiO in the late 1960s.

Over the years, the TRiO programs have expanded to provide a wider range of services and reach more students in need of assistance.

• The Higher Education Amendments of 1972 authorized the Educational Opportunity Centers as the fourth program in the TRiO group.
• In 1986, the Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement Program was created.
• In 1990, Upward Bound Math/Science was established to address the need for instruction in the fields of math and science.
• Finally, the Veterans Upward Bound program serves military veterans in preparing for entry into and completion of a program of post-secondary education.