Senator Collins, Members of Maine Educational Opportunity Association Discuss Significant Growth of TRIO Programs Throughout the State

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Click HERE for a graphic of TRIO growth in Maine provided by MEEOA

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Susan Collins recently met with members of the Maine Educational Opportunity Association (MEEOA) in her Washington, D.C., office.  During their meeting, they discussed how Maine TRIO College Access and Success Programs have grown over the course of ten years, supporting thousands of students statewide.

“I had a productive discussion with members of the Maine Educational Opportunity Association about the success TRIO programs throughout our state have seen,” said Senator Collins.  “I will continue to work to ensure that these important programs have the resources they need to help students from disadvantaged backgrounds achieve their dream of earning a college degree and unlock their full potential.”

From 2007 to 2017, TRIO programs throughout the State of Maine have seen significant growth in quantity, reach, and funding.  Since 2007, the number of programs in the state has grown 40 percent, assisting an additional 725 students and receiving an increase of $2,398,595 in federal funding.

Maine’s TRIO programs serve students all over Maine and are focused on increasing educational opportunities for first-generation, low-income, and disabled students.  These students receive the academic and social supports, financial resources, and guidance they need to successfully graduate from high school, enroll in a college or university, and earn a degree. 

Senator Collins co-chairs the Congressional TRIO Caucus, a bipartisan, bicameral group working in Congress to support the TRIO programs and to expand awareness about improving educational opportunities for all Americans.

As a senior member of the Appropriations Committee, Senator Collins has continuously worked to secure funding for TRIO programs throughout Maine and the country.  Each year, Senators Collins, Jon Tester (D-MT), and Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) led a letter to the Chairman and Ranking Member of the Senate Education Appropriations Subcommittee to request funding for TRIO programs in the fiscal year 2020 Labor, Health, and Human Services, and Education Appropriations bill.