1. United States
2. Texas
3. Letter

I am reaching out as a constituent and proud advocate for the Federal TRIO Programs, which serves thousands of students across the United States by providing academic, financial, and personal support. Recently, the White House proposed eliminating the TRIO programs in FY26, stating that college access is no longer a barrier for low-income students and that the responsibility for supporting low-income students should rest with institutions of higher education, not the federal government. However, the most recent data from the U.S. Census bureau demonstrates that students from the highest income families are four times more likely to earn college degrees than students from the lowest-income families. Furthermore, not every institution has the resources to absorb the cost for providing such services. Therefore, as a constituent I ask that you reject the Administration's proposal to eliminate TRIO and work to ensure these vital education programs are funded at the highest possible level in FY26. Thank you again for your support of low-income, first-generation students.  As a member of a TRIO Program, services such as academic advising, career counseling, and college planning workshops help America’s first Gen youth explore career opportunities. Also, the financial aid and financial literacy programming that TRIO offers helps them plan financially and lay the framework for economic success.  If TRIO is defunded, students will lose the guidance that keeps them on track. Their education, opportunity for financial independence, and futures would be at risk. Please fight for TRIO. Protect programs that uplift students striving to succeed, contribute, and make their families proud. We need TRIO, and we need your help to ensure it continues for generations to come.