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 or family background.
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 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. Nearly 817,000 students 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 3,400 TRIO projects currently serve more than 800,000 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
Advocacy Update
House Appropriations Committee Strengthens Protections for TRIO Grant Competitions in FY27 LHHS Bill
The House Appropriations Committee advanced the FY27 Labor-HHS-Education spending bill with a $6 million increase for TRIO and unanimously adopted bipartisan language directing the Department of Education to preserve TRIO’s mission, maintain funding levels for each TRIO program, reissue Talent Search and EOC competitions, and ensure timely grant awards. The action represents a major victory for TRIO advocates, signaling strong congressional support for first-generation and low-income students while providing important protections against administrative changes that could disrupt services.
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 in all 50 states, Washington, D.C., the Pacific Islands, and Puerto Rico!