1. United States
2. Mich.
3. Letter

The proposal to eliminate TRIO programs would be detrimental to college access and success for low-income, first-generation, and underrepresented students. These vital programs provide crucial support services that help students navigate the complex path to and through higher education. Cutting TRIO would disproportionately harm underresourced colleges and universities, such as community colleges, regional public institutions, and minority-serving institutions, many of which rely on TRIO funding to offer essential academic advising, tutoring, and career guidance. Extensive research demonstrates the positive impact of TRIO, boosting college enrollment, retention, and graduation rates for participants. With rising costs of attendance and socioeconomic disparities in educational attainment, now is not the time to eliminate programs proven to expand access and opportunity. I urge you to protect TRIO funding and maintain this critical investment in opening the doors of higher education.