The U.S. nation has asserted a commitment to providing educational opportunity for all Americans regardless of race, ethnic background, or economic circumstance. In support of this commitment, Congress established a series of programs to help low-income Americans enter college and graduate. These programs are funded under Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 and are referred to as the Trio programs.

     Trio Academic Services is an organization devoted to helping students meet their educational goals. Congress established the Trio programs in 1965 to help low-income Americans enter college, graduate and move on to participate more fully in America's economic and social life. These programs target high risk students: Students whose parents have never completed a four-year college program (referred to as first-generation) and students who are economically disadvantaged. These programs are funded by the U.S. Department of Education through grants provided to institutions or agencies having the facilities and expenses to deliver prescribed services.