LASAP: About Us

LASAP Programs

Our membership consists primarily of staff members of Louisiana TRiO Programs. LASAP has over 50 TRiO Programs located throughout the State of Louisiana. These various programs serve over 17,000 elementary, middle, and high school students as well as undergraduate and graduate students.

History of TRIO

The history of TRIO is progressive. It began with Upward Bound, which emerged out of the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964 in response to the administration's War on Poverty. In 1965, Talent Search, the second outreach program, was created as part of the Higher Education Act. In 1968, Student Support Services, which was originally known as Special Services for Disadvantaged Students, was authorized by the Higher Education Amendments and became the third in a series of educational opportunity programs. By the late 1960's, the term "TRIO" was coined to describe these three federal programs.

Over the years, the TRIO Programs have been expanded and improved to provide a wider range of services and to reach more students who need assistance. The Higher Education Amendments of 1972 added the fourth program to the TRIO group by authorizing the Educational Opportunity Centers. That same year in response to the returning servicemen from the Vietnam War, the Veterans Upward Bound Program was begun. Amendments in 1986 added the sixth program, the Ronald E. McNair Post-baccalaureate Achievement Program. Additionally, in 1990, the Department created the Upward Bound Math/Science program to address the need for specific instruction in the fields of math and science. The Upward Bound Math/Science program is administered under the same regulations as the regular Upward Bound program, but it must be applied for separately.

LASAP Founders

In 1973, under the wisdom and guidance of the late Walter O. Mason, U.S. Department of Education Region VI Grants representative, the Louisiana Association of Student Assistance Programs was founded. Thirteen individuals of similar commitment, dedication, and vision helped to develop what has today become a viable advocacy for equal educational opportunity for all citizens.