TRiO Programs

Trio Logo

What are TRiO Programs?

TRIO Programs exist to encourage and assist people who are traditionally under-resourced and under-represented in post-secondary education including first generation college students, students from limited income families, and/or students with disabilities. TRIO Programs provide the personal attention, planning and knowledge that help to prepare students for entry to, and completion of college.

Federally funded TRIO Programs were created by the Higher Education Act of 1965 and have been at ODU since 1981. ODU has three of eight TRiO programs that support high school and undergraduate students: Upward Bound, Student Support Services and Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement Program.

The Ronald E. McNair Program helps eligible undergraduates pursue graduate degrees. The program offers expanded faculty mentoring, research experience and other academic opportunities with the goal of increasing the number of Ph.D. recipients who are from underrepresented groups in graduate education. The program consists of summer and academic year activities. Students will enter the program during the spring, participate in the summer research component and, during the following academic year complete the requirements for graduate school enrollment.

For more information please email TRiOMcNair@vaftizo.com or complete an interest form below.

TRiO Student Support Services

Student Support Services (SSS) provides comprehensive support to increase the retention and graduation rates of eligible students attending ODU. Participants receive individualized support including mentoring, advising, scholarship information, and more. Whether students are seeking individualized tutoring or need help completing the FAFSA, the mission of SSS is to help participants succeed and graduate.

Trio student holding a balloon

TRiO Upward Bound

Upward Bound is a pre-college program with a goal to motivate and provide academic assistance to eligible high school students who show promise for success in education beyond high school. Eligible students are provided with extensive academic support including weekend and evening activities, a six-week summer residential program and college-placement services. The program helps students take advantage of high school educational opportunities, realize their potential, and meet their academic and career goals.

Image of trio students in graduation attire

The Ronald E. McNair Program helps eligible undergraduates pursue graduate degrees. The program offers expanded faculty mentoring, research experience and other academic opportunities with the goal of increasing the number of Ph.D. recipients who are from underrepresented groups in graduate education. The program consists of summer and academic year activities. Students will enter the program during the spring, participate in the summer research component and, during the following academic year complete the requirements for graduate school enrollment.

For more information please email TRiOMcNair@vaftizo.com or complete an interest form below.

TRiO Student Support Services

Student Support Services (SSS) provides comprehensive support to increase the retention and graduation rates of eligible students attending ODU. Participants receive individualized support including mentoring, advising, scholarship information, and more. Whether students are seeking individualized tutoring or need help completing the FAFSA, the mission of SSS is to help participants succeed and graduate.

Trio student holding a balloon

TRiO Upward Bound

Upward Bound is a pre-college program with a goal to motivate and provide academic assistance to eligible high school students who show promise for success in education beyond high school. Eligible students are provided with extensive academic support including weekend and evening activities, a six-week summer residential program and college-placement services. The program helps students take advantage of high school educational opportunities, realize their potential, and meet their academic and career goals.

Image of trio students in graduation attire