TRIO History

Our TRIO Program continues to expand and improve to provide a wider range of services and reach more students who need assistance.

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Federal TRIO Programs

The Federal TRIO Programs (TRIO), funded through the U.S. Department of Education, are designed to identify students and provide individuals with services to persist within and into higher education. 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 post-baccalaureate programs. TRIO also includes a training program for directors and staff of TRIO projects.

Pre-College Programs:

  • TRIO Educational Opportunity Centers
  • TRIO Educational Talent Search
  • TRIO Upward Bound
  • TRIO Upward Bound Math & Science

Postsecondary Programs:

  • TRIO Student Support Services
  • TRIO Ronald E. McNair Post Baccalaureate Achievement
  • TRIO Veterans Upward Bound

TRIO at CNM

TRIO Student Support Services was awarded to CNM Main Campus in October 2001 through a competitive U.S. Department of Education (USDE) grant award process and has received continued USDE funding. In the Fall of 2015, CNM Montoya Campus began a new TRIO Student Support Services program. All TRIO programs are authorized under the amended law of the Higher Education Act of 1965.

Important Dates

  • Spring 2021: TRIO Main program moved from BT-4 portable to the Student Services (SSC) building suite 110. 
  • Spring 2020: CNM was awarded a renewal grant cycle (5 years) for TRIO Main and TRIO Montoya campuses.
  • March 2020: TRIO programs transitioned to all virtual services due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • July 2018: 50th Anniversary of Federal TRIO Student Support Services
  • September 2015: CNM was awarded a new TRIO SSS grant for CNM Montoya campus and a renewal grant cycle (5 years) for TRIO Main campus.
  • October 2014: TRIO Student Support Services grant competition, 5-year grant cycle.
  • September 2013: Due to federal sequestration, TRIO had to the eliminate biology/chemistry tutor position.
  • October 2012: Celebration of 10 years+ at CNM.
  • Summer 2011: Moved to Basehart Temporary 4 building for an estimated three years. Still maintaining offices, tutoring space and student computer lab there.
  • 2010–2015: Successful grant competition secured five years of funding.
  • Fall 2005: Moved from the Student Services Center to the South Building at Main campus. This move created more tutoring space, computer lab, scanners, a Xerox copier, and a private conference room area.
  • Fall 2005: TRIO added biology and chemistry tutoring services.
  • 2005–2009: Successful grant competition secured five more years of funding.
  • Fall 2004: Created TAG (TRIO Achievers Group) student club for student leadership and community service opportunities.
  • 2001–2005: During the first 4 years (first grant cycle) an English tutor position was added to tutoring subjects and we began the TRIO graduation banquet tradition.