Effective January 1, 2026, the Federal TRIO Programs officially transitioned from the College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences to the Division of Access and Engagement (DAE).
This transition reflects our shared commitment to expanding educational access and success for first-generation students, low-income students, veterans, and students with disabilities. By aligning TRIO with DAE’s statewide infrastructure, particularly the Office of Flagship Communities, we will create stronger, more coordinated pathways to higher education for students across Tennessee.
Mission
The Division of Access and Engagement transforms lives by supporting academic access, fostering strategic community partnerships, and promoting merit-based student success. Through our focus on access, belonging, culture of respect, and community, we advance the University of Tennessee’s strategic vision and land-grant mission.
Mission Alignment
Both TRIO and DAE are dedicated to removing barriers and opening doors for underserved populations. This transition allows us to leverage the strengths of both units to deliver seamless support from high school through college completion. Combining TRIO’s proven programs with DAE’s outreach network enhances our ability to serve students in all communities, ensuring no Tennessean is left behind.
COLLEGE ACCESS
This is DAE’s unit dedicated to creating pathways to higher education for Tennesseans through strategic partnerships and comprehensive support services. The Office of Flagship Communities fosters and manages partnerships with 52 communities across the state, while federal TRIO Programs provide targeted services that help students overcome barriers to educational access and success. By engaging students from elementary school through college with academic enrichment, career exploration, test preparation, mentoring, and family outreach, College Access builds a sustainable pipeline to college readiness and student success at UT. Signature initiatives that drive impact include:
· Building Flagship Community Partnerships
· Federal TRIO Programs Support & Services
· Academic Pipeline & College Pathway Programs
· Advancing Educational & Professional Development
Our Programs
We are home to five thriving, U.S. Department of Education TRiO outreach and student services programs, each designed to increase college access and success for first-generation, low-income students in the East Tennessee and surrounding rural areas.
Academic Enrichment Upward Bound
Empowering and supporting youth from disadvantaged backgrounds on their educational journey.
Educational Opportunity Center
Provides comprehensive support for adult learners that includes career and academic counseling, post-secondary application assistance, and support for completing the financial aid process.
Pre-College Upward Bound
works with disadvantaged youth to encourage and ensure their timely high school graduation and guides them toward attaining a post-secondary education to assure the students achieve success to contribute to their families, communities, and societies.
Veterans Upward Bound
Honoring and empowering veterans by creating a supportive and transformative pathway to higher education.
Math and Science Upward Bound
To help address the disparities of the underrepresentation of disadvantaged college students in math and science majors and STEM Careers.