Federal funding still in limbo for college access programs for low-income, first-generation students

Two federally funded college access programs helped make college a reality for Gisel Suarez Bonilla.

As a first-generation college student, the programs taught her about applying for scholarships, networking and navigating higher education.

“We can ask all the questions but not know where to go,” said Suarez Bonilla, who is now an Augsburg University professor.

This spring, President Donald Trump proposed eliminating funding for a fleet of academic support programs for low-income and first-generation college students, along with students with disabilities, called TRIO.

Federal officials had called TRIO programs “a relic of the past” — unneeded since college access was no longer an obstacle for disadvantaged groups, which worried TRIO staff and supporters. But a Senate committee recently included $1.2 billion in funding for TRIO’s eight different academic programs in its appropriations bill for next year.

While staff from several of Minnesota’s 84 TRIO programs said they’re relieved, they noted that nothing is guaranteed, especially with education funding under threat.

“I’m hopeful,” said Alyson Olson, director of TRIO Student Support Services at Normandale Community College in Bloomington. “I know we have lots of advocates and alumni and community across the country. But I guess I’m always nervous.”

Another concern is looming — a few TRIO programs across the country have received letters from the federal government saying their funding is cut for the year, without explanation. Others could soon get a similar letter cancelling funds, according to COE.

TRIO has produced more than 6 million college graduates since 1964, according to the nonprofit. But data through 2023 showed American students from the highest income quartile still earn college degrees at more than four times the rate of those in the lowest quartile.

Eight different TRIO programs support students from middle school through the graduate school application process. Specific programs help veterans and people with disabilities.

“Each [program] helps a slightly different population get into college or be successful in college,” said Maria “Tina” Tavera, director of the TRIO McNair Scholars Program at Augsburg. “They’re setting an example and they’re guiding the whole family to learn about the academic system.”

Olson said she tells students applying for Student Support Services — a program that provides advising and coaching in academic skills for students getting two- and four-year degrees — they’ll have to do a bit more work if they join, but they’ll also get extra attention.

There are 24 TRIO programs across 33 Minnesota State colleges and universities.

Officials said some uncertainty is to be expected with TRIO funding. Programs must reapply for federal grants every five years in a highly competitive process; some programs don’t get money.

Each year, programs must meet performance guidelines. Then the government sends out annual funding letters, a process that can take until mid-August or later.

“Having done this since the early ‘90s ... there’s been a lot of fluctuations in support,” Tavera said.

Tavera said TRIO has often garnered bipartisan support in Congress, though, and it comes with a long track record of success and accountability.

Augsburg’s Student Support Services program was just renewed for five years, and St. Olaf’s Student Support Services and Student Support Services for students with disabilities were also funded again.

Congress has approved funding for all McNair Scholars programs, but institutions are still awaiting letters telling them how much money they’ll get, Tavera said.

“We’re having to operate programs where we don’t know if we’re going to have the funds to continue,” said Anthony Albecker, director of the University of Minnesota’s McNair Scholars Program.

TRIO programming began in the 1960s with three initiatives to help get disadvantaged students to college.

“They help us basically with the whole process so we can transfer successfully to a four-year university,” said Manuel Alanis Andrade, a Student Support Services alumni who is now an admissions representative at Normandale.

Minnesota has a relatively large number of TRIO programs compared to other states, Tavera said. In 2024, Minnesota’s TRIO programs supported 15,159 students and received $29.9 million in federal grants.

There are four Educational Talent Search programs, 32 Upward Bound programs, 40 Student Support Services programs and six McNair Scholars programs across the state.

The U has three TRIO programs, including an Upward Bound program that will celebrate its 60th anniversary next year.

“That’s no small feat,” Albecker said.

He said TRIO programs provide an important sense of community for first-generation students.

St. Olaf College in Northfield has five TRIO programs. In the summer, Student Support Services gives 40 students the chance to live on campus and take classes in subjects like physics and writing, said Brian Greening, St. Olaf’s director of TRIO Student Support Services.

They meet with faculty, work with tutors and learn about topics like financial aid and study abroad programs, he said, adding that TRIO programs familiarize students with “the hidden curriculum” of academia.

At Augsburg, Suarez Bonilla said TRIO helped her with “not feeling like an outsider” in college environments.