TRIO Impact

Helping students from all backgrounds achieve higher education success.

What are TRIO programs?

Federal TRIO Programs are educational opportunity and outreach programs designed to motivate and support students from disadvantaged backgrounds and to provide relevant training to directors and staff. TRIO includes five outreach and support programs targeted to serve and assist low-income, first-generation college students, and students with disabilities to progress through the academic pipeline from middle school to postbaccalaureate programs, and one training grant program for staff. Federal TRIO Programs include: Talent Search, Upward Bound, Upward Bound Math/Science, Veterans’ Upward Bound, Student Support Services, Educational Opportunity Centers, the Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Program, and Training Grants.

Program Highlights

Starting with Upward Bound in 1967, TRIO programs at UMaine have been continually serving partner schools and Maine communities for nearly six decades.
Participants in UB and UBMS have the opportunity to spend six weeks on the UMaine campus in a residential summer program designed to simulate the “college experience.
Since 1991, more than 19,000 adults have gone to college with help from MEOC

UMaine’s Trio Programs

Educational Opportunity Centers, located throughout the country, primarily serve displaced or underemployed workers. These Centers help people to choose a college and a suitable financial aid program.

Talent Search programs serve young people in grades six through twelve. In addition to counseling, participants receive information about college admissions requirements, scholarships and various student financial aid programs. This early intervention program helps young people to better understand their educational opportunities and options.

Upward Bound helps high school students prepare for higher education. Participants receive instruction in literature, composition, mathematics, and science at their schools and on college campuses during the summer.

Upward Bound Math Science helps students from low-income families, where neither parent graduated from college, strengthen math and science skills. In addition, students learn computer technology as well as English, foreign language and study skills. The University of Maine hosts the sole Upward Bound Math Science program in the state.

Student Support Services helps students to stay in college until they earn their baccalaureate degrees. Participants, who include disabled college students, receive tutoring, counseling and remedial instruction.

Maine Educational Opportunity Center

Maine Educational Talent Search

Upward Bound

TRIO Student Support Services

Work With Upward Bound

Join TRIO SSS

Be a TRIO SSS Tutor

Maine Educational Talent Search Impact: By The Numbers

of METS seniors graduate on time

of METS seniors enrolled directly into college

of METS seniors graduate from college in six years

of METS students went to college in Maine

Collaboration with Schools

Our TRIO Program staff work with youth and educators at K-12 schools across Maine. Click below for a list of the schools where our programs have a presence.