Today, Congresswoman Gwen Moore, Congressmen Christopher Smith (NJ-04), Donald Payne Jr. (NJ-10), and Congresswoman Vicky Hartzler (MO-4) led 244 of their colleagues in a bipartisan letter to the House Appropriations Committee calling for an increase in TRIO program funding. In response, she released the following statement:
“As a TRIO alum, I know firsthand how important the program is to millions of students across the country. I was once a struggling, single mother and TRIO gave me the opportunity to follow my dreams and complete my Bachelor’s degree at Marquette University. I would not be where I am today without TRIO.”
“For so many of us, the TRIO programs are our only option to successfully earn a degree and forge our careers. The COVID-19 pandemic forced many incoming and current college students to choose between financially supporting themselves and their families or investing in their future. Now more than ever, it is crucial we add robust funding to TRIO programs to support students who need it most.”
From middle-school to post-baccalaureate, federal TRIO programs provide educational support to students with disabilities, first-generation college students and low-income students to ensure they can successfully complete their educational endeavors.
Congresswoman Moore is co-chair of the House TRIO Caucus and has annually led the funding letter for this program. In FY 21, Congresswoman Moore helped secure a $7 million increase for TRIO and she and her colleagues are looking to build on that in FY 22.
Advocates are seeking to triple TRIO funding in FY 22.
Read the full text of the letter here.
