7. Invest in programs that support students of color, first-generation students, and students with lower incomes and their knowledge of and access to higher education.

Recruitment 09.19.24

Here’s what the federal government can do:

  • Congress should increase investments in programs that support first-generation students and students with lower incomes to prepare for and enroll in college, such as Federal TRIO and GEAR UP programs.

Here’s what state government can do:

  • State legislatures should fund state programs and provide matching funds for federal programs that support college access for marginalized students.

Here’s what institutional leaders can do:

  • Higher education institutions should have dedicated staff and student support services for students of color, first-generation students, students with lower incomes, and students with disabilities.

The Federal TRIO Programs include eight programs targeted towards supporting first-generation students, students with lower incomes, and students with disabilities in progressing from middle schools to postbaccalaureate programs. The programs include Educational Opportunity Centers, Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement Scholarships, Student Support Services, Talent Search, Training Program for Federal TRIO Program Staff, Upward Bound, Upward Bound Math-Science, and Veterans Upward Bound.[i] Recipients of TRIO-supported services are more likely to persist through and complete college than students who do not receive these support services.[ii] More than 800,000 students with lower incomes, first-generation students, and students with disabilities benefit from these TRIO-supported services annually, including tutoring, career advising, counseling, mentoring, and financial guidance.[iii]

The federal Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP) is one of the largest programs dedicated to the college and career readiness of students from lower income communities across the country. GEAR UP serves more than 571,236 students at more than 2,792 secondary schools. Yet, only a fraction of GEAR UP eligible students, or 1 in 5 applicants, are funded to participate in the program. GEAR UP can also provide college scholarships to students with lower incomes.[iv] Given the impact of TRIO, GEAR UP, and similar programs, increased investments are needed.

[i]U.S. Department of Education. Federal TRIO Programs. https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ope/trio/index.html.

[ii]“Persistence and Completion in Postsecondary Education of Participants in the TRIO Student Support Services Program,” U.S. Department of Education, Office of Postsecondary Education, August 2015. https://www2.ed.gov/programs/triostudsupp/sss-heoa-report-2015.pdf.

[iii]Walls, Tommy; Martinez-Vu, Yvette; and Chavez-Garcia, Miroslava. “COE and Trio Programs,” Council for Opportunity in Education, June 20, 2024. https://coenet.org/coe-and-trio-programs/.

[iv]“About Gear Up,” National Council for Community and Education Partnerships. https://www.edpartnerships.org/about-gear-up.