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The Council for Opportunity in Education Announces 2023 National TRIO Achiever Award Recipients

June 30, 2023 — by Terrance L. Hamm

These outstanding alumni of the Federal TRIO programs have demonstrated exemplary leadership, dedication, and commitment to advancing educational opportunities and breaking barriers for underprivileged students. 

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The Council for Opportunity in Education (COE) announced today its selection of 2023 National TRIO Achiever Award recipients. This year’s prestigious award recipients include a college president, non-profit and corporate executives, academic leaders, and Capitol Hill leaders.  

The National TRIO Achiever Award recognizes outstanding individuals who participated in the Federal TRIO Programs, including Upward Bound, Upward Bound Math-Science, Talent Search, Student Support Services, the Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement Program, Veterans Upward Bound, and Educational Opportunity Centers.  

These remarkable TRIO alumni have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to breaking barriers and expanding educational opportunities for students who face adversity. Their dedication and leadership have transformed lives and inspired countless others. We are proud to honor their extraordinary achievements.

COE President Maureen Hoyler

National TRIO Achiever Award recipients have made significant contributions in their fields while exemplifying the values and principles of educational access and equity. Past recipients of the National TRIO Achiever Award include actress and producer Viola Davis; Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock; Nevada Attorney General Aaron Ford; and retired NASA astronaut José Hernández. 

Council for Opportunity in Education President Maureen Hoyler extends her warmest congratulations: “These remarkable TRIO alumni have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to breaking barriers and expanding educational opportunities for students who face adversity. Their dedication and leadership have transformed lives and inspired countless others. We are proud to honor their extraordinary achievements.” 

The 2023 National TRIO Achiever honorees are (pictured above, from left):  

  • James T. Brett, president and CEO of The New England Council, has been recognized for his relentless advocacy for educational equity and access. His visionary leadership has played a pivotal role in shaping policies and initiatives that uplift underrepresented students, helping them navigate and succeed in higher education. Brett participated in the Upward Bound program at Boston College. 
  • Ruben Canedo, co-chair of the University of California Systemwide Basic Needs Committee, has been instrumental in addressing food and housing insecurity among college students. Through his tireless efforts, Canedo has championed innovative strategies and programs that have improved students’ well-being and removed obstacles to academic success. Canedo participated in the Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement Program at the University of California, Berkeley.  
  • Fernando Cárdenas, director of partnership development and community activation at COMCAST, has dedicated his career to bridging the digital divide and empowering underserved communities. His pioneering work expanding broadband access and promoting digital literacy has allowed countless low-income students to pursue their educational aspirations. Cárdenas participated in the Upward Bound program at Fresno State University. 
  • Lesia Crumpton-Young, immediate past president of Texas Southern University, has profoundly impacted higher education, particularly for marginalized students. Under her leadership, Texas Southern University has become a beacon of opportunity, fostering a supportive environment and implementing initiatives that promote student success and academic excellence. Crumpton-Young participated in the Upward Bound program at Texas State University. 
  • Cheryl L. Johnson served as U.S. House of Representatives clerk from 2019 until 2023 and is joining Radio Free America to help set up a Voice of Africa bureau within that organization. Her passion for empowering students from disadvantaged backgrounds has driven her to spearhead initiatives that address systemic barriers and create pathways to success. Johnson participated in the Upward Bound program at Loyola University New Orleans and the Student Support Services program at the University of Iowa. 

COE will recognize these extraordinary TRIO alumni for their outstanding achievements and unwavering commitment to educational excellence and social progress during its Educational Opportunity Dinner on Tuesday, September 12, at 7:30 p.m. at the Washington Hilton in Washington, D.C. 

For more information about the National TRIO Achiever Award or to purchase tickets to the Educational Opportunity Dinner, please visit coenet.org. 

Media Inquiries

For media inquiries or to arrange an interview, please contact Terrance L. Hamm, associate vice-president for communications and marketing at COE via email at [email protected] or call (202) 347-7430.

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