At the TRIO information booth at Mercer Mall, representatives from both colleges will provide information about the TRIO programs, which are an integral part of the federal strategy aimed at advancing equal opportunity in postsecondary education.

BSC-based TRIO programs include Student Support Services, Veterans Upward Bound, Educational Opportunity Center, and Talent Search. Concord-based TRIO programs include Student Support Services, the Ronald McNair Scholarship Program, Upward Bound, and Upward Bound Math and Science.

The focus of National TRIO Day will center upon the accomplishments of TRIO programs along with the needs of disadvantaged young people and adults aspiring to improve their lives. TRIO programs encourage participants to make the commitment to become contributing members of society, and recognize program participants' potential for personal and professional growth.

TRIO programs, which are federally funded by the U.S. Department of Education and authorized under Title IV of the Higher Education Act, serve individuals from low-income backgrounds, and families where neither parent has earned a college degree. Just as student financial aid programs help students overcome financial barriers to higher educaiton, TRIO programs help students overcome academic, social, and cultural barriers.

Additional information may be obtained by contacting Tim Oxley, Concord College Director of Sponsored Programs at (304) 255-0793 or (304) 384-6088, or Kathy Epperly, Bluefield State College Director/Student Support Services at (304) 327-4098.