About COE
MISSION
We believe every young person and adult should have an equal opportunity to prepare for, attend, and graduate from college. Graduation from any category of postsecondary institution should be achievable and not limited by economic status, family background, or disability.
The Council for Opportunity in Education (COE) is a nonprofit organization, established in 1981, dedicated to furthering the expansion of college opportunities for low-income, first-generation students, and students with disabilities in all 50 states, Washington, D.C., the Pacific Islands, and Puerto Rico. Its membership includes more than 1,000 colleges and agencies. Through its numerous membership services, the Council works in conjunction with colleges, universities, and agencies to help low-income students enter college and graduate. Over 875,000 students and students with disabilities each year receive college access and retention services through our member colleges and agencies.
Trio Programs
Every young person and adult has an equal opportunity to prepare for, attend, and graduate from college.
Congress mandates that two-thirds of the students served in TRIO must come from families with incomes at 150% or less of the federal poverty level and in which neither parent graduated from college. More than 3,500 TRIO projects currently serve over 875,000 students.
Celebrating Forty-Plus Years
Fighting for Equal Access to Higher Education for Everyone
Turning 40 is traditionally a time to take stock, to measure the triumphs and lessons of past years and prepare for the challenges to come. During COE’s 40th year in 2021, we were and remain grateful for all we have accomplished with the help of allies who have accompanied us on our journey. Together we have made real progress in helping low-income and first-generation students and students with disabilities improve their lives by attending and graduating from college. Each of you will define COE’s future—and we are very, very grateful for the part that each of you will play.
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COE Success Stories
Jonathan Solomon
Talent Search, Case Western Reserve University
Kevin Wright
Student Support Services, Northern Arizona University
Melonie Sexton
McNair Scholars, University of Central Florida
Anthony Webster
McNair Scholars, Jackson State University
Cristóbal Garcia
Student Support Services, University of Northern Colorado
John Paul Abenojar
McNair Scholars, San Diego State University
Jonathan Solomon
Talent Search, Case Western Reserve University
Kevin Wright
Student Support Services, Northern Arizona University
Melonie Sexton
McNair Scholars, University of Central Florida
Anthony Webster
McNair Scholars, Jackson State University
Cristóbal Garcia
Student Support Services, University of Northern Colorado
John Paul Abenojar
McNair Scholars, San Diego State University
Jonathan Solomon
Talent Search, Case Western Reserve University
Kevin Wright
Student Support Services, Northern Arizona University
Melonie Sexton
McNair Scholars, University of Central Florida
News & Impact
Latest Articles
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Advocacy Update
Trump Administration Reverses Federal Grant Funding Freeze Amid Legal Challenges
Kimberly JonesJanuary 30, 2025
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Advocacy Update
Immediate Action Steps in Response to Federal Funding Freeze
Kimberly JonesJanuary 28, 2025
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Advocacy Update
Building a Strong Foundation for TRIO in the 119th Congress
Owen ToomeyJanuary 17, 2025
Press Releases
Record Number of Bipartisan Representatives Call to Prioritize Funding for Federal TRIO Programs
April 27, 2022
Federal TRIO Programs assist low-income, first-generation students and students with disabilities prepare for and graduate from college. The non-profit Council for Opportunity in Education (“COE”) announced today that a record 275 TRIO supporters in the House of Representatives joined a “sign-on” letter urging the leaders of the House Appropriations Committee to prioritize the nation’s investment…
Support Us
If you are a student support services professional, thank you. You are an unsung hero for all the good that you do, and surely you know by now that COE has your back.
Partner
Through strategic collaborations, we work to strengthen quality, opportunity and access to education for all American students — the next generation of global leaders.
Join Us
Join more than 1,000 colleges and community agencies committed to postsecondary opportunity for low-income, first-generation students, students with disabilities in all 50 states, Washington, D.C., the Pacific Islands, and Puerto Rico!