Created in 1976, the University of Vermont's TRiO / SSS is one of America's oldest Student Support Services (SSS) programs. The TRiO Programs exist because our nation is committed to providing educational opportunity for all Americans, regardless of race, ethnic background or economic circumstances.
In 1965 Congress established a series of programs to help limited-income and/or first-generation Americans enter and graduate from college. These programs are known collectively as TRiO. UVM is proud to host three TRiO programs: Student Support Services, Upward Bound, and McNair Scholars.

TRiO is funded by the United States Department of Education: all services are free to participants.