Federal Cuts Target College Access Programs
Rural Pathways affiliate Ginny Ward, Director of Upward Bound at Bowdoin College, alerted us to the developing crisis affecting college access programs nationwide.
Rural students are losing a lifeline to higher education. The Trump administration is systematically dismantling TRIO programs, federal initiatives that help nearly 870,000 low-income and first-generation students access college each year.
What’s Happening Right Now
At least 24 Upward Bound programs have been abruptly canceled, including successful programs at institutions like Montgomery County Community College and Pima Community College, eliminating over $1 million in funding. Hundreds of millions in TRIO grant dollars remain frozen, leaving programs unable to serve students this fall. In fact, the administration has proposed eliminating all TRIO programs entirely: Upward Bound, McNair Scholars, Talent Search, Educational Opportunity Centers, Student Support Services, and Veterans Upward Bound.
Why This Matters for Rural Communities
TRIO programs are particularly vital in rural areas where college resources are scarce. These programs achieve remarkable results:
Upward Bound students are more than twice as likely to earn a bachelor’s degree by age 24 than students in the lowest income quartile.
Student Support Services participants are 47% more likely to complete a two-year degree or transfer, and 18% more likely to complete a bachelor’s degree than similar nonparticipants.
Talent Search students are 33% more likely to enroll in college than peers from the bottom income quartile.
Veterans Upward Bound participants are 42% more likely than their peers to earn a bachelor’s degree within six years.
McNair Scholars are 78% more likely to enroll in graduate school compared to similarly situated low-income college graduates.
As Jen Dyke, director of the Upward Bound program at Cal Poly Humboldt, noted: “Timber is already gone. Fishing is already gone... So these areas that we serve are, once again, facing dismal futures if we also cut TRIO.”
The Human Cost
Program staff are losing jobs with little, if any, notice. Students who were counting on academic support, college application help, and mentorship are suddenly without services. Since 1964, TRIO has produced over six million college graduates, a pipeline of rural leaders, teachers, and professionals that’s now at risk.
Bipartisan Opposition Growing
Forty senators from both parties wrote to Education Secretary McMahon on September 10 demanding immediate release of frozen TRIO funds. Congress appropriated $1.191 billion for these programs, money that President Trump signed into law, yet the administration continues to block access.
Time for Action
Rural students deserve the same opportunities as their urban counterparts. TRIO programs provide that bridge to higher education, transforming individual lives and entire communities.
The situation is urgent. Students can’t afford to wait for their promised support. Here’s how you can help:
Call Your Representatives
Use this phone script when calling your representatives:
“Hello, my name is [Your Name], and I’m calling from [Your Institution or Program Name]. I’m a proud supporter of the Federal TRIO Programs.
The current delay in issuing Grant Award Notifications (GANs) is more than a paperwork issue. It’s forcing programs to pause or drastically reduce services at a critical time in the academic year. Students are losing access to tutoring, mentoring, and college prep resources they depend on.
We need your office to urge the Secretary of Education to release all TRIO GANs immediately.
Thank you for your support of TRIO. We hope your office will continue to stand with us and help protect these vital programs.”
Find your representatives: Look up your reps here or call 202-224-3121.
Send an Email
Subject: Urgent TRIO Grant Delays are Impacting Students
Dear [Representative’s Title and Name],
TRIO programs in [City], [State] are in crisis. The Department of Education has not released 2025-2026 Grant Award Notifications (GANs), despite funds already being allocated by Congress. Programs are being told to rely on leftover funds from grants that expired August 31—resources many do not have.
As a result, students are losing services and staff are being furloughed. I urge [Senator/Representative] to contact Secretary Linda McMahon and request immediate release of all TRIO GANs. Students who have overcome barriers to pursue higher education are now being denied the support they were promised.
Our students cannot afford further delays, and your leadership is critical in resolving this issue now.
Thank you for your support.
[Your Full Name]