The Trump administration's recent decision to discontinue some TRIO grants, including a $2.3 million, five-year grant for North Shore Community College’s Upward Bound program, has sparked significant controversy and concern across the higher education landscape. North Shore’s President William Heineman criticised the rationale behind the cuts, highlighting the paradox in being accused of overemphasising students' backgrounds after previously being required to focus on recruiting underrepresented groups. The administration's move came despite the program’s strong track record in helping low-income, first-generation, and underrepresented students succeed in higher education.
North Shore Community College’s Upward Bound program has long provided essential support to Lynn Public School students, offering academic tutoring, summer programs, college visits, and assistance with college and financial aid applications. The program is tailored to students who are typically low-income or whose parents did not attend college, serving as a vital bridge to postsecondary education. After applying for reconsideration, the college received confirmation that the grant would be reinstated, but the disruption caused by the initial cancellation has raised broader questions about the administration’s commitment to supporting vulnerable student populations.
TRIO grants, funded federally, underpin a suite of initiatives aimed at helping low-income, first-generation, and disabled students navigate the path from middle school through to college completion. The programs cover a broad range of services from college preparatory efforts in earlier education stages to veteran assistance and college support services. Massachusetts Commissioner of Higher Education Noe Ortega publicly affirmed the importance of TRIO programs, stating they “help level the playing field” and remove barriers for students who significantly contribute to campuses, workforce, and communities.
Despite the critical role of TRIO, the Trump administration’s fiscal 2026 budget sought to eliminate these grants, proposing that colleges instead use their own resources to recruit and retain low-income students. While Congress has maintained funding for the program, the administration moved to discontinue some grants regardless. According to Kimberly Jones, president of the Council for Opportunity in Education, the administration cancelled roughly $40 million out of $1.2 billion in TRIO grants nationwide, simultaneously cutting $350 million in grants for minority-serving institutions. In Massachusetts alone, nearly $6 million was cut from TRIO programs serving almost 9,500 students.
The impact of these cuts is tangible and personal. Jaquelyn Gomez, a former Upward Bound participant whose parents only completed fourth grade education in Guatemala, credits the program with helping her overcome fears about college and successfully navigate financial aid and admissions processes. Now a student at the University of Massachusetts Boston and working for Upward Bound, Gomez exemplifies the transformative power of these federal programs for first-generation students aiming to enter professional careers in their home communities.
Outcomes like these are common among TRIO participants nationwide, who statistically outpace national averages for college enrolment and completion. However, the administration’s approach has introduced significant uncertainty for similar programs across various states and institutions. For example, Middlesex Community College lost $1.29 million in funding for Upward Bound and a STEM-focused program because of hiring practices perceived to promote diversity. Similarly, the University of New Hampshire had its Talent Search grant cut because the institution emphasised proactive recruitment of students of colour. These decisions have drawn criticism for being arbitrary and chaotic.
The timing of the grant notifications has compounded the disruption. Many schools learned about funding cancellations only after the school year started, complicating program administration and undermining student support. Lane Glenn, president of Northern Essex Community College, described the situation as “managerially, an awful mess,” suggesting this disorder is a deliberate aspect of the administration's handling of these programs.
In some cases, states or colleges have sought alternative funding to sustain parts of these programs, but many have inevitably closed or scaled back operations, leaving a void in services for prospective students. The broader implications of these funding cuts remain difficult to quantify but are feared to reduce college access dramatically for the students who need these resources the most.
TRIO funding continues to be crucial across the country for enabling academic success among underserved populations. Institutions from South Carolina State University to San Diego Mesa College and Texas Woman’s University have secured substantial federal grants to support their TRIO programs, illustrating ongoing demand and the recognized importance of these services. Across the board, TRIO programs provide academic tutoring, financial aid guidance, career exploration, and essential support systems that help close the opportunity gap in higher education.
The Trump administration’s efforts to downsize or eliminate TRIO funding represent a significant shift away from comprehensive federal support for low-income, first-generation, and disabled students. While some cuts have been reversed, the controversy underscores the fragility of programs aimed at increasing educational equity and the ongoing political battles surrounding funding priorities.
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Source: Noah Wire Services