COLLINS WORKS TO HELP DISADVANTAGED COLLEGE STUDENTS

Washington, D.C. -- Senator Susan Collins is spearheading a bipartisan effort in the Senate to increase funding for TRIO Programs. TRIO Programs help students enter college, stay in college, and graduate. In general, these programs identify low-income and potential first-generation college students and provide them with encouragement, support, and assistance to help them achieve their educational goals. While student financial aid programs help students overcome financial barriers to higher education, TRIO programs help students overcome class, social, and cultural barriers to higher education. TRIO Programs include Upward Bound, Educational Talent Search, Student Support Services, and Educational Opportunity Centers.

"TRIO Programs are among the nation's most important education programs that advance equal educational opportunity in America's colleges and universities. They help students break through the social and cultural barriers that often prevent low-income or first generation American students from accessing a college education. TRIO Programs truly help open the door to the American dream," said Senator Collins.

In the 2003-2004 school year, 6,510 students took part in TRIO Programs in Maine: 4,643 at the University of Maine in Orono, 360 at UMaine Augusta, 247 at UMaine Farmington, 140 at UMaine Fort Kent, 249 at UMaine Presque Isle, 106 at the University of Southern Maine, 175 at Central Maine Community College, 185 at Kennebec Valley Community College, 175 at Northern Maine Community College, 130 at Washington County Community College, and 100 at Bowdoin College.

Senator Collins along with Senator Blanche Lincoln of Arkansas organized a bipartisan group of their colleagues to write a letter to Education Appropriators requesting a "significant" increase in next year's funding for TRIO Programs. 54 Senators signed the letter, including Senator Olympia Snowe. The letter pointed out that a $50 million funding increase would allow for 100 additional Student Support Services grants for colleges and universities nationwide, helping an additional 21,000 students.

The Senators also point out that TRIO Programs often help adults who lose their jobs and need to upgrade their skills or change careers.