In March Tara and Shari traveled to Wahington, DC to attend the Annual Council for Opportunity in Education (COE) Policy Seminar where we built community with TRIO programs from across the US and advocated on Capitol Hill for continued TRIO support and funding. Despite this, Trump’s 2026 budget proposal calls for a total elimination of TRIO programs.
In his proposal, Trump states that “college access is not an obstacle for students of limited means” and that TRIO programs are a “relic”.
Trump’s assertions are false! According to 2023 data from the US Census Bureau students from the highest income quartile earn college degrees at 4 times the rate of students from the lowest income quartile.
Eliminating TRIO isn’t just a budget decision; it’s a choice to shut the door on millions of Americans who are ready and able to succeed. It supports students from all racial backgrounds who face barriers not because of ability, but because of income, opportunity, or circumstance.
Many of you have been asking us how you can help ensure that TRIO programs are not eliminated. COE (our lobbyists in DC) have made it simple for interested people to fight to protect TRIO and the millions of students who count on us by clicking here to send messages directly to your elected officials. Every voice counts and if you are a person who has benefitted from these programs personally definitely tell your story about how #TRIOWORKS.
If you have family or friends who live in red states encourage them to reach out to their government officials too. Their voices will be very impactful.
Thank you to everyone who has been so supportive of TRIO and our students during this uncertain time. We appreciate you so much.
The University of Oregon TRIO Teams
Tara, Christabelle, Natalie, Denise, Katie, Mary Ann, Nora, and Shari