U.S. Department of Education cuts $40 million in TRIO program funding

The U.S. Department of Education has canceled over $40 million in funding for more than 100 TRIO programs across the country, affecting nearly 45,000 students. These programs, established during the War on Poverty era, provide academic support and counseling to low-income and first-generation students.

Federal officials terminated the grants, citing program goals that allegedly violated equal treatment laws or merit-focused policies. For example, the Department of Education cited Cal Poly Humboldt’s goal to train students regarding microaggressions and systemic racism as a reason for termination. At Cal Poly Pomona, officials took issue with program objectives aimed at maintaining a specific mix of grades, genders, and students with disabilities within student cohorts.

The funding cuts are particularly impactful in isolated areas like Del Norte County, California, where students face significant geographic barriers to accessing community colleges and higher education.