What began as an idea for educational equality, has transformed into 8 signature programs housed at institutions and communities across the country.
TRIO Programs
Texas State | Birthplace of TRIO
A growing movement: The Higher Education Act of 1965 was signed at Texas State University by President Lyndon B. Johnson
Created by the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964 and the Higher Education Act of 1965 signed on the Texas State Campus by our most famous Alumnus President Lyndon B Johnson, TRIO Programs focus on outreach and student service to identify and provide services for underrepresented students across the country. Today, TRIO has surpassed 1 billion dollars in annual funding, serving over 62,000 students in Texas and over 900,000 students nationally. With bipartisan support in both the House and Senate, TRIO Programs are projected to continue to grow, providing greater opportunity for students in all 50 states.
62,000 Students In Texas
TRIO programs provide academic tutoring, personal counseling, mentoring, financial guidance, and other supports necessary for educational access and retention.
900,000 Students Nationally
TRIO programs were the first national college access and retention programs to address the serious social and cultural barriers to education in America.
TRIO at Texas State University
At Texas State University, we pride ourselves on being a TRIO serving campus. Today we continue to honor the legacy of President Johnson by seeking new and innovative ways to serve both precollege and college TRIO students.
The current Texas State TRIO Programs are Student Support Services, Student Support Services STEM, Rural Talent Search, Educational Talent Search, Upward Bound-San Marcos and Upward Bound-Del Valle.
"Education is the key to opportunity in our society, and the equality of educational opportunity must be the birthright of every citizen."
- Lyndon B. Johnson
Our Programs
The Federal TRIO Programs (TRIO) are Federal outreach and student services programs designed to identify and provide services for individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds. 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.
Student Support Services
Provides opportunities for academic development, assists students with basic college requirements, and motivates students toward the successful completion of their postsecondary education
Talent Search
Provides academic, career, and financial counseling to its participants and encourages them to graduate from high school and continue on to and complete their postsecondary education
Upward Bound
Provides fundamental support to participants in their preparation for college entrance. Also, the program provides opportunities for participants to succeed in their precollege performance and ultimately in their higher education pursuits.
Sound Lab The Music Studio
Hands on opportunities for students to engage music for educational and well-being goals, but also to develop or reinforce music-related skills and interest.
LBJ Distinguished Lecture Series
Texas State University’s Common Experience Team invited TRIO to once again be a part of the LBJ Distinguished Lecture Series. The theme for this year’s Common Experience is an examination of authenticity. From understanding university truth — in scholarship and research — to a definition of Universal Truth. From your own personal truth to a sense of honesty, accuracy, validity, and truthfulness. TRIO Students from Texas State, Austin and San Antonio were given 1,000 seats to see Academy Award, Golden Globe, Emmy and Grammy-winning hip-hop artist, actor, author and activist, COMMON.
Student Leadership Conference
In 2019, Texas State Hosted the TRIO Association Student Leadership Conference. 350 pre-college and college students gathered from across Texas to share in an immersive growth experience. The theme of the conference was “Finding your YOU” and focused on Esteem, Sense of Self, Resilience and how a sense of individuality can empower students to achieve their goals both in and outside of the classroom.
Student Stories
Talent Search - Austin
TRIO | Bobcat Day at Texas State
Talent Search - San Marcos
Upward Bound: Senior Yard Celebration
Student Support Services
Upward Bound | Academic Saturdays
Senior Director
RAY CORDERO, MPA
Senior Director for TRIO Programs
Upward Bound - San Marcos & Del Valle
Ray Cordero currently serves as Senior Director for TRIO Programs at Texas State. He holds a B.S. in Political Science and a Master of Public Administration from Texas State University. Mr. Cordero currently serves as the President for the Texas TRIO Association, and as a board member for the Southwest Association of Student Assistance Programs for TRIO. He has made TRIO his life's work, serving in several leadership capacities at the state and regional levels, and has worked with the Council for Opportunity in Education on innovative programming centered around music and media engagement.
Mr. Cordero’s additional work includes a partnership with Dr. Raphael Travis in the School of Social Work that utilizes music and entrepreneurship as mediums for educational access and wellbeing for first generation students.