Program Eligibility Requirements
Prior to submitting either an online OR paper application, please review TRiO ETS's student commitment and program requirements to determine student and family eligibility for the program.
If you have any questions regarding student commitments and/or eligibility requirements, contact our office.
Program participants and students interested in joining our program will commit to the following:
- Submit a completed TRiO ETS application
- Submit requested documentation and necessary information to ETS staff
- Maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5 or higher throughout program involvement
- Show interest in pursuing a post-secondary beyond high school
- Agrees to participate in program activities and services
Student Eligibility Requirements:
- Currently attend one of our three target schools:
- Desert Hot Springs High School (DHSHS)
- Desert Springs Middle School (DSMS)
- Painted Hills Middle School (PHMS)
- Maintain good academic standing (minimum 2.5 GPA)
- Are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident*
- * To the extent permitted by the P3 waiver authority through the Department of Education and the California Higher Education Collaborative, effective immediately the TRIO ETS program can waive the citizenship eligibility requirement through September 2026.
The student's family (parent(s)/legal guardian(s) meet the following Department of Education guidelines:
- Family educational requirements:
- The student is a first-generation student (neither parent(s)/legal guardian(s) have received a four-year college degree)
- Meet the Department of Education's income guidelines and family educational requirements:
Federal TRiO Programs
Current-Year Low-Income Levels
| Size of Family Unit | 48 Contiguous States, D.C. and Outlying Jurisdictions |
Alaska | Hawaii |
| 1 | $23,475 | $29,325 | $26,985 |
| 2 | $31,725 | $39,645 | $36,480 |
| 3 | $39,975 | $49,965 | $45,975 |
| 4 | $48,225 | $60,285 | $55,470 |
| 5 | $56,475 | $70,605 | $64,965 |
| 6 | $64,725 | $80,925 | $74,460 |
| 7 | $72,975 | $91,245 | $83,955 |
| 8 | $81,225 | $101,565 | $93,450 |
For family units with more than eight members, add the following amount for each additional family member: $5,500 for the 48 contiguous states, the District of Columbia and outlying jurisdictions; $6,880 for Alaska; and $6,330 for Hawaii.
The term "low-income individual" means an individual whose family's taxable income for the preceding year did not exceed 150 percent of the poverty level amount.
The figures shown under family income represent amounts equal to 150 percent of the family income levels established by the Census Bureau for determining poverty status. The 2025 poverty guidelines are in effect as of January 15, 2025. Federal Register notice was published January 17, 2025.
