In support of the commitment of providing educational opportunities for all Americans regardless of race, ethnic background or educational circumstance, Congress established a series of programs funded under Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965, referred to as the TRIO Programs (initially just three programs). While financial aid programs assists students in overcoming financial barriers to higher education, TRIO programs help students overcome class, cultural and social barriers. The goal of these programs is to help low-income, first-generation participants enter college, graduate and achieve economic stability in society. Two-thirds of students served must come from families with income levels within current federal guidelines for low-income families.