[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 28 (Tuesday, February 23, 1999)]
[House]
[Page H663]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                           NATIONAL TRIO DAY

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under the Speaker's announced policy of 
January 19, 1999, the gentleman from Delaware (Mr. Castle) is 
recognized during morning hour debates for 5 minutes.
  Mr. CASTLE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join in the celebration of 
National TRIO Day. National TRIO Day was designated by concurrent 
resolution on February 24, 1986, by the 99th Congress. It is celebrated 
on the last Saturday of February each year as a day of recognition for 
the federal TRIO program.
  The TRIO programs, Talent Search, Upward Bound, Upward Bound Math/
Science, Veterans Upward Bound, Student Support Services, Ronald E. 
McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement Program and Educational 
Achievement Centers, were established over 30 years ago to assist low-
income students overcome class, social and cultural barriers to higher 
education.
  Currently, 2,000 colleges, universities and community agencies 
sponsor TRIO programs. Over 780,000 low-income students between the 
ages of 11 and 27 benefit from the services of the TRIO programs. Most 
of these students come from families in which neither parent graduated 
from college. These students represent the highest aspirations and best 
hope for achieving the American dream. By lifting these students out of 
poverty and into productive and rewarding lives, the Nation is in turn 
lifted and given hope for a better future.
  In Delaware, 13 TRIO programs are hosted through the Delaware 
Technical and Community College, the University of Delaware and 
Delaware State University. They serve 2,455 Delawareans.
  Dr. Bertice Berry from Delaware is an excellent example of the 
success the TRIO program has endured. She was recognized as a TRIO 
achiever at a national conference. Dr. Berry was the sixth of seven 
children who grew up in Wilmington, Delaware. In 8th grade she was 
accepted into the Upward Bound Program at the University of Delaware, 
where she participated until entering college at Florida State 
University.
  Dr. Berry obtained her undergraduate degree, a master's degree in 
sociology and a Ph.D. in sociology. She has rapidly become one of the 
most sought-after lecturers on the college speakers' circuit. She has 
authored two books and speaks regularly across the country. Dr. Berry 
attributes her success totally to the Upward Bound program.
  Dr. Berry is just one of many success stories. TRIO graduates can be 
found in every occupation you can think of: as doctors, lawyers, 
astronauts, television reporters, actors and even Members of Congress.
  I am pleased to be able to speak on behalf of the TRIO programs and 
Dr. Berry. I encourage my colleagues to join me in visiting TRIO 
programs in your district to learn how valuable these vital programs 
can be for our Nation.

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