[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 35 (Friday, February 24, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E424]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                         HONORING TRIO PROGRAMS

                                 ______


                          HON. ELIOT L. ENGEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 23, 1995
  Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to 
praise a series of Federal education programs, known as TRIO, which 
allow students from needy families overcome barriers that often prevent 
them from attending college.
  This weekend in my district, Fordham University is holding a TRIO Day 
to spread the word about these worthwhile programs. I commend Dr. Eliot 
Palais and his staff at Fordham University for the fine work they do in 
promoting these programs.
  TRIO programs include Upward Bound, which assists students from 
families with incomes under $24,000 where neither parent graduated from 
college, and Talent Search, the early intervention program that targets 
young people in grades 6 through 12. Other TRIO programs provide 
information on academic and financial aid programs and assistance in 
applying to colleges.
  More than 1,200 colleges and agencies now offer TRIO programs serving 
nearly 700,000 low-income Americans between the ages of 11 and 27. The 
common bond in all TRIO programs is empowerment. While student 
financial aid programs help students overcome financial barriers to 
higher education, TRIO programs help students overcome class, social 
and cultural barriers to higher education.
  Indeed, I know at least two of my distinguished colleagues, 
Representative Cleo Fields of Louisiana and Representative Albert Wynn 
of Maryland, who participated in TRIO programs. They are among 
thousands of Americans who can attest to the power and effectiveness of 
TRIO.
  I am deeply committed to maintaining and expanding programs of this 
nature. They represent the highest aspirations of our Nation and enjoy 
the support of the American people. When we allow all our citizen 
access to education and economic opportunity, we lift our entire Nation 
to a higher level.


                          ____________________