The Federal TRIO Programs (TRIO) are Federal outreach and student services programs designed to identify and provide services for individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds. TRIO includes eight programs targeted to serve and assist low-income individuals, first-generation college students and individuals with disabilities to progress through the academic pipeline from middle school to post baccalaureate programs.

Wytheville Community College houses three of the TRIO Programs: Upward Bound, Educational Talent Search and Student Support Services.

Student Support Services (Project AIM)

Student Support Services provides students at institutions of higher educations, opportunities for academic development, assisting students with basic college requirements and motivating them toward successful completion of their post secondary education. The goal of Project AIM is to increase the college retention and graduation rate of its participants.

More information about Wytheville Community College's Project AIM program

Upward Bound

Upward Bound is a federally funded program whose purpose is to provide high school students with the motivation and skills needed to successfully transition from high school to college and graduate with their college degree. Students receive educational, cultural and social experiences that will help prepare them to enter and succeed in college. Upward Bound students receive academic advising, tutoring, workshops and opportunities to visit colleges and universities. All Upward Bound program activities and services are free to students enrolled in the program.

Upward Bound provides fundamental support to participants in their preparation for college entrance. Upward Bound serves high school students from low-income families and high school students from families in which neither parent holds a bachelor's degree. The goal of Upward Bound is to increase the rate at which participant's complete secondary education and enroll in and graduate from institutions of postsecondary education.

More information about the Upward Bound program

Veterans can visit the Veterans Upward Bound web site at http://sw.edu/academicenhancement/vub/. Please note that this is not part of WCC's Upward Bound program.

Talent Search

Talent Search programs identify and assist individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds who have the potential to succeed in higher education. Talent Search serves middle school and high school students from low-income and first-generation families. The goal of Talent Search is to increase the number of youth from disadvantaged backgrounds who complete high school and enroll in and complete their postsecondary education.

More information about the Talent Search program