[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 2] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages 2448-2449] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]HONORING NATIONAL TRIO DAY ______ HON. MICHAEL K. SIMPSON of idaho in the house of representatives Monday, February 25, 2008 Mr. SIMPSON. Madam Speaker, I rise in recognition of National TRIO Day, which was on February 23, 2008, and in support of this important program and the positive influence it has on young people in our country. Higher education is an important component of success in today's economy, as well as a valuable end in itself. A college education opens doors to exciting new job fields, new experiences, and a deeper understanding of the world. Yet many lower-income Americans face a multitude of obstacles when they consider furthering their education. Parental income is one of the top predictors of whether or not a child will succeed in college, and if he or she is the first in the family to pursue a college education, the challenges can seem insurmountable. This is why I am a strong supporter of the TRIO programs, which were created to support Congress's commitment to providing educational opportunities for all Americans regardless of race, ethnic background, or economic circumstance. TRIO programs help students exceed societal expectations and predictions by providing tutoring in college preparatory classes and help in navigating through the sometimes daunting maze of required forms and tests known as the college admission process. Congress enacted the National TRIO Day in 1986 in order to increase awareness and support for the programs, as well as to recognize the achievements of the TRIO programs and their important role in advancing equal opportunity in post-secondary education. Congress declared National TRIO Day ``a day on which the nation is asked to turn its attention to the needs of disadvantaged youth and adults aspiring to improve their lives, to the investment necessary if they are to become contributing citizens of this country, and to the talent which will be wasted if that investment is not made.'' [[Page 2449]] National TRIO Day gives us an opportunity to celebrate this investment in the lives of young people and in the future of our nation. It is also a National Day of Service, and on February 23'' the TRIO programs in my State commemorated the day by doing a wide range of service projects throughout their communities. As co-chair of the TRIO Caucus, it is my goal to make people aware of this important program and the profound impact that it is having on the lives of students in my home State of Idaho and elsewhere. National TRIO Day gives us a valuable opportunity to recognize that impact and commit ourselves to ensuring that these programs can continue to change the lives of students for years to come. ____________________