The Federal TRIO Programs (TRIO) are Federal outreach and student services programs designed to identify and provide services for individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds. TRIO includes eight programs targeted to serve and assist low-income individuals, first-generation college students, and individuals with disabilities to progress through the academic pipeline from middle school to post-baccalaureate programs. 

Subject to appropriations, the Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC) must administer the Washington Achievers Grant Program. The grant program shall provide state matching dollars to expand access for Washington resident students who are currently ineligible to participate in federally funded TRIO programs at public colleges and universities.

WSAC must establish a request for proposal process to supply matching grants to public colleges and universities for the purposes of expanding access.

To be eligible to participate in Washington Achiever programs, students must be:

• Washington resident students;
• demonstrate academic need; and
• either be a 1st generation student, have a family income below 150 percent of the federal poverty level, or have a documented disability.

PRO: The purpose of this program is to expand access for Washington resident students who are ineligible to participate in the federally funded TRIO programs at public colleges and universities, such as DACA recipients. Creating the Washington Achievers Grant Program expands the capacity of colleges to provide resources and support to students who are not eligible to participate in federal TRIO programs. The support ranges from academic advising to community building, allowing students to receive high touch services from staff that ensure their success academically, professionally, and personally. These programs are essential to reaching the goal of 70% post-secondary attainment.

PRO: Most students attending independent colleges in Washington are Washingtonians. Federally funded TRIO programs work to identify and provide support to students who have historically been the farthest from opportunity. Constituents encourage a more inclusive definition of institution of higher education so that students attending not-for-profit private colleges could also access this grant program. When students can attend the college or university that meets their learning needs and provides a sense of belonging, they thrive and persist to earn their credentials. Students attending independent colleges in Washington complete their degrees at rates that put out colleges among the nation’s leading institutions.