President Trump’s Budget cuts on education are far reaching and will have a devastating affect on American Higher Education and the growth and development of future generations. Many are focused on the Department of Education’s Cuts and potential closure, however the budget cuts in Higher Education are worthy of exploring and exposing.
Higher education and Vocational education have historically been the pathways for economic advancement. With these cuts higher education and economic security and job stability will not be attainable. According to Inside Higher education in a May 6 article, the following are the potential cuts.
What is most disturbing is that the total elimination of TRIO Programs would be a cut of $1.579 Billion dollars. TRIO programs are Federal outreach and student services programs that encompass several different collegiate and higher education programs designed to identify and provide for individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds to serve and assist low-income students, first-generation college students, students with disabilities and veterans. These programs are housed at colleges and universities across the country and specifically community and technical/vocational colleges.
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Examples of TRIO programs across the country are:
Educational Opportunities Centers
The Educational Opportunity Center (EOC) is a free TRIO program designed to assist 1000 adults in obtaining a GED and/or with college or vocational school enrollment. EOC staff assists participants with determination of educational goals, academic assistance, completion of college admission and financial aid applications, college adjustment concerns and career exploration. The program is for anyone who does not already have a four-year degree. The program can even continue to assist students after they have begun college coursework.
Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Program
Ronald R. McNair programs encourage low-income and minority undergraduates to consider careers in college teaching/research as well as prepare them for doctoral study. Named in honor of the astronaut who died in the 1986 space-shuttle explosion, students who participate in this program are provided with research opportunities and faculty mentors. About 100 programs currently serve 3,300 students.
Student Support Services
The Student Support Services program helps students to stay in college until they ultimately earn their baccalaureate degree. Participants receive free tutoring, career and personal counseling, academic advising, mentoring, and college survival skills. Students in the Student Support Services program are more than TWICE as likely to remain in college as those students from similar backgrounds who do not participate in the program.
Talent Search or Educational Talent Search
Talent Search is an early intervention program, which encourages middle and high school participants to complete secondary and post-secondary education programs. Participants receive information regarding career exploration, college exploration and financial aid assistance.
Training Program for Federal TRIO Programs Staff
Training program Grants are grants and awards given to colleges and universities, educational consultant firms and nonprofit organizations to train and develop the capacity of TRIO Program directors, project managers and staff in Federal TRIO Programs. Funds can be used for workshops, seminars, trainings, internships publications and web resources.
Upward Bound
Upward Bound helps high school students prepare for higher education. Participants receive instruction in literature, foreign languages, composition, mathematics and science on college campuses and in the summer. Students in the Upward Bound program are FOUR times more likely to earn an undergraduate degree than those students from similar backgrounds who did not participate in TRIO.
Upward Bound math and Science
The Upward Bound Math and Science program is designed to strengthen the math and science skills of participating students. The goal of the program is to help students recognize and develop their potential to excel in math and science and to encourage them to pursue postsecondary degrees in math and science, and ultimately careers in the math and science profession.
Veterans Upward Bound
The goal of Veterans Upward Bound is to provide academic services that allow and encourage veterans to be successful when entering a post-secondary education program that leads to graduation. Participants receive instruction in GED preparation and/or instruction in literature, foreign languages, composition, mathematics and science.
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There are a total 61 Colleges and Universities in South Carolina including: the SC Technical Colleges (16), twenty community Colleges one Independent Community College, eight (8) Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU’s), and several for profit colleges and universities. The largest institution in the State is the University of South Carolina College System that has eight (8) campuses and nine (9) with the online campus. The majority of the USC campuses have some type of TRIO program, and the other Universities have as well.
Programs normally run on a five-cycle year and then go to another university. In the late 1980’s and early 1990’s the College of Charleston was the home of a robust Upward Bound program. During the 2022 year, the College of Charleston Upward Bound program was not funded by the State of SC. All of the HBCU’s have some form of a TRIO program except Allen University.
The funding for TRIO Programs in SC in 2022 was $18 Million. Without that funding education for many is not a reality. If all of the TRIO programs are cut there will be a devastating impact that will be long reaching and long lasting.
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College administrators or TRIO program directors, managers and workers will be out of jobs. College enrollment will decrease because TRIO programs are centered around first-generation college students. Without TRIO programs those who are pursuing higher education and in need of academic counseling, mentorship, support, tutoring and old-fashionedencouragement will simply not enroll and others who are enrolled will drop out because their support system will no longer exist.
TRIO programs in general are focused on first generation college students, math and science enrichment programs as well as veterans. The idea that the Federal Government would cut educational programs for veterans is shocking especially since people enlist and serve gallantly for future educational opportunities because they are unable to afford college.
TRIO programs help people improve their future possibilities, through higher education, better paying jobs, economic security and are a pathway for people to become productive citizens in our democracy. The cutting and closure of these programs will be detrimental to our nation.The Rev. Carey A. Grady is the pastor of Reid Chapel AME Church in Columbia, South Carolina (www.reidchapel.org
