[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 34 (Thursday, March 4, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E346]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                           NATIONAL TRIO DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JOHN W. OLVER

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 4, 1999

  Mr. OLVER. Mr. Speaker, I rise in honor of National TRIO Day--
celebrated each year on the last Saturday in February--to recognize the 
importance of the Federal TRIO Program.
  ``What is TRIO?'' To millions of disadvantaged Americans the answer 
is quite simple: ``TRIO equal opportunity.''
  TRIO identifies aspiring students from poor families, prepares them 
for college-level work, and helps them define and achieve their goals.
  TRIO plans a critical role in leveling the educational playing field 
in our country.
  Since 1965, over 10 million Americans have benefitted from TRIO 
programs, which include--Talent Search, Upward Bound, Student Support 
Service, Ronald McNair Post-Baccalaureate Program, and Educational 
Opportunity Centers.
  In my Congressional District--in western and central Massachusetts--
TRIO serves 2500 students each year at 8 separate colleges and 
universities.
  TRIO has helped many of my constituents lift themselves out of 
poverty and climb into promising careers as teachers, lawyers, doctors, 
journalists, and business owners.
  TRIO means opportunity to young people across the country who would 
otherwise not be able to attend college and pursue their dreams.
  I urge this Congress to recognize the national success of TRIO 
programs, and to renew our commitment to educational opportunity.

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