POLICY SEMINAR 2026
One Mission. One Voice. One TRIO.
In a year marked by unprecedented federal grant delays, program cancellations, and widespread workforce disruptions within the U.S. Department of Education, the 2026 COE Policy Seminar arrives at a defining moment for TRIO. Despite these challenges, an enduring truth remains: TRIO is essential for students and the nation’s economic future. Against this backdrop, TRIO educators and alumni will gather in Washington, D.C. under the theme “One Mission. One Voice. One TRIO.” Together, we will stand united in purpose. Policy Seminar includes our Leadership Summit, Seminar on Relations with the U.S. Department of Education, and Legislative Conference. Download the paper registration form here.
Participants describe Policy Seminar as:
- “Life-changing.”
- “An eye-opener.”
- “The most powerful professional development experience of my career.”
From advocacy training with congressional staff to real-time policy briefings and Hill visits, attendees gain the skills, confidence, and national network to be powerful voices for their students.
- “I still get nervous after 20 years, but this seminar prepares you. I came home inspired and energized.”
- “I learned so much—even after our state did its own training. The preparation was amazing.”
In 2026, join fellow TRIO champions where change happens—on Capitol Hill.
Sunday through Wednesday, March 8-11, 2026
accommodations
For Policy Seminar 2026, we are proud to announce our new host hotel: the iconic Capital Hilton.
Capital Hilton, located at 1101 16th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20036, is just blocks from the White House and moments from Capitol Hill. This historic property places you in the heart of the nation’s capital, surrounded by landmarks, dining, transit, and history. With modern amenities, elegant spaces, and unmatched access to the federal center of gravity, the Capital Hilton ensures a comfortable and inspiring stay as you advocate for TRIO students across the nation.
- Room Rate: $299 per night (single/double) + taxes & fees. To reserve your room, visit the booking link below or call 800-774-1500 and reference the COE3 group code.
The Capital Hilton blends classic Washington elegance with modern comfort. Guests will enjoy thoughtfully appointed rooms, onsite dining, a fitness center, workspaces designed for productivity and collaboration, and seamless access to the city’s key congressional and agency offices. As one description notes, it is “a monumental hotel in the heart of D.C.” —a fitting home base as the TRIO community prepares to champion student opportunity on Capitol Hill.
Policy Seminar 2026: What Happens, Why It’s Important, and How to Pay For It
January 22, 2026,
Using Data to Make Your Voice Heard
February 12, 2026,
Overview
Every year, TRIO professionals from across the country gather in Washington, D.C., to ensure low-income and first-generation students remain at the center of our nation’s higher education priorities.
Agenda
Download the tentative Leadership Summit agenda here.
- 10:00 – 10:15 a.m.: Welcome
- 10:15 – 11:00 a.m.: Opening Keynote
- 11:00 – 11:30 a.m.: Case Studies I
- 11:30 – 11:45 a.m.: Transition to Breakouts
- 11:45 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.: Breakout Session Round 1: “Leadership in Action”
- 12:30 – 2:00 p.m.: Leadership Lunch and Collaborative Lab
- 2:00 – 2:45 p.m.: Case Studies II
- 2:45 – 3:00 p.m.: Break
- 3:00 – 3:45 p.m.: Breakout Session Round 2: “Leadership for Tomorrow”
- 3:45 – 4:00 p.m.: Break
- 4:00 – 4:45 p.m.: Case Studies III
- 4:45 – 5:15 p.m.: Collective Closing Experience: “Leadership that Lasts”
Download the tentative Seminar on Relations with the U.S. Departments of Education agenda here.
- 9:00–10:00 a.m.: Opening Plenary
- 10:15–11:30 a.m.: Breakout Sessions with U.S. Department of Education Program Specialists
- 11:45 a.m.–2:00 p.m.: Luncheon Featuring Remarks from the U.S. Department of Education
- 2:00–8:00 p.m.: Legislative Conference Registration Opens
- 2:15–3:30 p.m.: Breakout Sessions with U.S. Department of Education Program Specialists (continued)
- 3:45–5:00 p.m.: Professional Development Sessions to Assist Your Programs
- 6:30–7:30 p.m.: Opening Session
- 7:45–8:30 p.m.: Orientation for Hill Team Leaders
Download the tentative Legislative Conference agenda here.
- 8:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m.: Registration
- 9:00–10:00 a.m.: Congressional Staff Panel
- 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.: Advocacy Skills Development (Interactive)
- 12:00–2:00 p.m.: Lunch on Your Own
- 2:00–3:00 p.m.: Member of Congress Address
- 3:00–4:00 p.m.: Capitol Hill Talking Points Overview
- 4:00–4:15 p.m.: Break
- 4:15–5:30 p.m.: State Team Meetings
Download the tentative Leadership Conference agenda here.
- 8:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.: Congressional Visits
- 6:30–7:15 p.m.: Closing Plenary
Accommodations
Capital Hilton
1101 16th Street, NW
Washington, DC 20036
(800) 774-1500
Group Code: COE3
For Policy Seminar 2026, we are proud to announce our new host hotel: the iconic Capital Hilton, located at 1101 16th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20036 — just blocks from the White House and moments from Capitol Hill. This historic property places you in the heart of the nation’s capital, surrounded by landmarks, dining, transit, and history.
Additional Info
All congressional meetings will be held in person on Capitol Hill. If you have any questions, please contact Diane Shust at [email protected] or Christian Bell at [email protected].
Pricing
Review this document to understand how the cost of the Policy Seminar (ED Seminar and Legislative Conference) breaks down for members and nonmembers.
Policy Seminar (Leadership Summit, ED Seminar, and Leg Conf.) | Policy Seminar: (ED Seminar and Leg. Conf.) | Leadership Summit and ED Seminar | ED Seminar ONLY | Leadership Summit and Leg. Conf. | Leg. Conf. ONLY | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
For Members | $965 | $725 | $870 | $610 | $705 | $445 |
For Non-members | $1,115 | $855 | $1,090 | $830 | $705 | $445 |
Additional Registrations
Legislative Conference ONLY | |
|---|---|
TRIO Alumni* | $250 |
Retiree | $250 |
Registration Instructions and Deadlines
For individuals participating in the Policy Seminar, online registration at coenet.org is strongly encouraged. Online registrants will receive an immediate receipt.
All registrations not completed online must include a credit card payment, check, or purchase order to be accepted. The registration fees include all conference sessions and materials. The cost for the Seminar on Relations with the U.S. Department of Education provides coffee and rolls in the morning, plus a luncheon. The price for the Leadership Summit includes lunch.
Special Discounts
Newcomer Discount: If you attended last year’s Legislative Conference and plan to bring a newcomer this year, the newcomer can register for half their regular registration rate (member or non-member). These registration forms must be submitted by email at the same time. There is no online registration option for this special offer.
Government Relations/Institutional Representative: If you bring a member of your institution’s government relations staff or campus institutional leadership, their registration for the Legislative Conference is also half off the regular registration price. (This does not include Leadership Summit or the Seminar with the U.S. Department of Education). Registration for this special discount must be submitted by email—there is no online registration for this special offer.
IMPORTANT NOTE: These half-price discounts apply to the Legislative Conference only. For instance, if you register for both the Legislative Conference and the Seminar on Relations with the U.S. Department of Education, the half-price discount will apply only to the Legislative Conference portion.
Refund Policy
If requested on or before Friday, February 27, registration fees paid in advance are refundable (less a $250 processing fee). To request a refund, you must email notice of your registration cancellation to [email protected]. COE will process refunds after the seminar ends.
Get in Touch
Questions? Contact Vice President for Public Policy Diane Shust at [email protected].
Diane Shust
Vice President, Public Policy [email protected]
Christian Bell
Associate, Public Policy [email protected]
Exploring DC: A Guide to Meaningful Travel Experiences for TRIO Students
March 12, 2026,
How to Cover the Cost of Policy Seminar
January 4, 2023
JOIN THE FIGHT TO PROTECT TRIO
Your voice matters! Use our quick and easy advocacy tool to email to your Members of Congress.
This Congress provides an opportunity to build relationships with Members of Congress. These officials are eager to meet with students, their families, and constituents. COE is challenging the TRIO community to host as many local visits with their Representatives and Senators as possible during the fall and spring recess periods! We ask you to contact both your Senators and your House Representative and urge them to protect TRIO from funding cuts and possibly even increase TRIO funding so that today’s low-income, first-generation students and students with disabilities will have access to higher education.
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