Student Support at MHCC In Danger

The TRIO program was established by the federal government as part of the Higher Education Act of 1965 to help students from disadvantaged backgrounds pursue and succeed in higher education.

Originally launched with three programs – Upward Bound, Talent Search, and Student Support Services – TRIO was created in response to President Lyndon B. Johnson’s War on Poverty. It aimed to provide academic support, college access, and retention services for low-income, first-generation, and disabled students.

TRIO has since expanded to include eight distinct programs, continuing its mission to promote educational equity and opportunity across the U.S.

Today, TRIO continues to play a vital role on college campuses across the country, including here at MHCC, by offering personalized support that helps students overcome barriers and achieve their academic and career goals.

I’ve been part of the TRIO program since the winter of 2024, and it has helped me in ways I never imagined.

Through TRIO, I’ve connected with a community of driven, like-minded students who are serious about advancing their education and goals.

I also have access to advising and resources that I wouldn’t have otherwise, including the opportunity to work with Michael Bartch, a TRIO Student Support Services Advisor at MHCC. He holds a doctorate degree and brings over 20 years of experience as a chef – his depth of knowledge and perspective have been incredibly valuable to me, both academically and personally.

I recently had the chance to sit down with Michael and a fellow TRIO student to talk about our experiences in the program here at MHCC. The other student chose to remain anonymous, but we quickly discovered we had a lot in common, especially when it came to the support we’ve received in planning our educational paths.

Navigating higher education can be overwhelming but having an advisor who genuinely cares about your success makes all the difference. Through TRIO, we both felt seen, supported, and empowered to keep moving forward.

We also found that we shared similar life experiences – moments where someone believed in us and encouraged us to keep pushing forward with our education. Having someone in your corner who sees potential you may not yet see in yourself can be incredibly powerful. That kind of support is what makes TRIO so impactful for students like us.

Throughout the school year, TRIO invites students to a variety of events and trips, including university campus tours, group dinners, and live performances. I’ve had the chance to see multiple shows at Portland Center Stage, and each experience has been truly memorable.

These outings are more than just fun, they’re meaningful. Most students who participate genuinely appreciate the opportunity. Just like having access to a highly educated advisor, these experiences enrich our lives by exposing us to places, art, and culture we might not have encountered otherwise.

No one in my family really knows how to navigate college or has experience with things like live theater. TRIO has given me exposure to experiences I wouldn’t have had otherwise. I didn’t even know Portland Center Stage existed, but now I get to enjoy more literature and music because of it. It’s been eye-opening and enriching.

Even though lots of students here at MHCC and all over the US are being helped in so many great ways, the future of the TRIO program is currently uncertain. President Trump’s fiscal year 2026 budget proposal includes the complete elimination of all federal TRIO programs, which have supported low-income, first-generation, and disabled students for over 60 years.

This proposal has sparked significant concern among educators, students, and advocacy groups who emphasize TRIO’s vital role in promoting educational equity and access. While TRIO is funded through the end of this year, its continuation beyond that is not guaranteed.

The proposal to eliminate TRIO is part of broader efforts to reduce federal spending, with the administration arguing that such programs are duplicative or lack evidence of effectiveness. The program’s supporters strongly disagree.

As debates continue in Congress, the outcome will significantly impact the availability of support services for disadvantaged students across the country.