[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 29 (Wednesday, February 24, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E267]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     CELEBRATING NATIONAL TRIO DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. JOHN ELIAS BALDACCI

                                of maine

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 24, 1999

  Mr. BALDACCI. Mr. Speaker, I rise to bring my colleagues' attention 
the celebration of National TRIO Day. National TRIO Day was designated 
by concurrent resolution on February 24, 1986 by the 99th Congress. 
National TRIO Day is celebrated on the last Saturday of February each 
year as a day of recognition for the Federal TRIO Program.
  The TRIO programs are Upward Bound, Upward Bound Math/Science, 
Veterans Upward Bound, Talent Search, Student Support Services, 
Educational Opportunity Centers and the Ronald E. McNair 
Postbaccalaureate Achievement Program. These programs, established over 
the past 30 years, provide services to low-income and potential first 
generation college students and help them overcome class, social, 
cultural and physical barriers to higher education.
  Currently 2,000 colleges, universities and community agencies 
throughout our nation sponsor TRIO programs. Over 780,000 middle school 
and high school students and adults benefit from their services. Most 
of these students represent the highest aspirations and best hope for 
the American dream. By lifting these students out of poverty, the 
nation is lifted to new heights.
  There are 15 TRIO programs in my State which serve 6,000 aspiring 
students and adults annually. I know these programs work. For example, 
last year I met Mark Crosby, a First Vice-President for Personnel for 
one of Maine's most successful and fastest-growing employers, MBNA 
America Bank. Mark was a student in the University of Maine Upward 
Bound Program which he credits for his success in completing high 
school, college and graduate school. As he told me, ``I went to 
college. My brother, who did not go to Upward Bound, went to jail''.
  TRIO graduates can be found in every occupation; doctor, lawyer, 
astronaut, television reporter, actor, professional athlete, state 
senator and Member of Congress. In fact, some of our colleagues today 
are graduates of TRIO programs. The TRIO programs are a cost-effective 
investment in our nation's future. They help to ensure that no child 
will be left behind, his or her aspirations unrealized.
  In closing, I would like to encourage my colleagues to visit the TRIO 
Programs in their districts and learn for themselves how valuable these 
programs are to our nation. I also want to say a warm hello to all of 
the Maine students currently participating in TRIO programs and to 
remind them to keep reaching for their dreams.

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