Office of Academic Success and Engagement

Mission Statement

The mission of TRIO SSS is to provide individualized academic resources and advising to eligible students by developing academic plans and goals, enhancing the student’s college experience and creating an institutional climate of support.

TRIO Students

First Generation

Nearly 66% of undergraduate UToledo students are the first in their families to pursue a 4-year degree. Our students and their siblings are figuring out college as they attend without the traditional advice and prepping from their parents. Knowing how college works, understanding deadlines and how to adapt learning styles are just a few of the skills needed to become a successful student.

Pell/Income Eligible

More than half of UToledo students receive some form of federal financial aid (Source) or are low-income based on federal guidelines. We work with students who receive full Pell grant to support them in navigating college with limited financial resources, explaining financial aid and educating all students in money management matters. Financial aid is just one component of attending college.

Students with Disability

Students with disabilities may experience known and invisible challenges to being a college student. TRIO SSS appreciates the skills, goals and needs of every student. The University of Toledo provides reasonable accommodations through the Office of Accessibility and Disability Resources to ensure equal access to a college degree.

Independent Student

Any student who has been approved by the Rocket Solution Central/Financial Aid as homeless or aged out of foster care are considered first-generation students regardless of parental education. Balancing school work and other responsibilities, identifying support systems and managing goals are challenges for independent students.

Veteran

TRIO SSS extends its support and resources to our veteran students who face unique challenges while attending classes. Our Veteran students served more than 180 days of active duty. For more information on military services at The University of Toledo, visit the Military Service Center.

History of TRIO

The TRIO programs were created to help students overcome the social barriers associated with higher education as a part of President Lyndon B. Johnson’s War on Poverty. Through various legislation, a “TRIO” of programs including Upward Bound, Talent Search, and Student Support Services (founded as Special Support for Disadvantaged Students) were founded. There are now eight programs associated with the TRIO program actively helping students, from middle school to college, achieve their educational goals. TRIO SSS began at UToledo in Fall 2001. Our selective program has supported more than 450 students toward a baccalaureate degree. One third of those graduates have begun graduate programs across the region. 

Upward Bound was created by the Educational Opportunity Act of 1964, the original War on Poverty statute. Upward Bound helps eligible people and veterans prepare for higher education. Talent Search was created by the original Higher Education Act of 1965. Talent Search programs serve young people in grades six through twelve better understand their educational opportunities and options. When the 1968 reauthorization of the Higher Education Act created Student Support Services and transferred Upward Bound out of the Office of Economic Opportunity into the Higher Education Act, the TRIO label was born. Student Support Services helps eligible students to stay in college until they earn their baccalaureate degree. 

The first reauthorization of the Higher Education Act in 1968 prompted the TRIO label that continues to be used today. TRIO referred to the three programs: Upward Bound, Talent Search, and Student Support Services, which existed within this reauthorization of the Higher Education Act designed to assist eligible students to begin and complete a post-secondary education.

Today, TRIO is five not three programs under one umbrella. The second reauthorization of the Higher Education Act of 1972 created the Educational Opportunity Centers. Educational Opportunity Centers primarily serve displaced or underemployed workers by helping them to choose a college and a suitable financial aid program. Most recently, the fifth reauthorization of the TRIO programs in 1986 created the Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Program. It took 22 years, from 1964 to 1986, to construct the current array of TRIO programs.