UPCOMING EVENTS AND STUDENT OPPORTUNITIES

Register today to join webinars, workshops, and conferences that offer insights on best practices, policy updates, and innovative approaches in supporting underrepresented students.

From Impact to Access: Education as the Engine of Economic Mobility

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Contact your Members of Congress today

Protect TRIO

Nominate your exceptional TRIO alumni before Friday, April 10

Nominate here

Registration is now open for the Student Financial Aid Research Network (SFARN) Conference

Learn more and register here.
Proposal Writing Workshop

Virtual Proposal Writing Workshop: Talent Search

April 02 — 03, 2026,

Join us for an engaging proposal writing workshop hosted by COE! This condensed session will cover crucial topics such as addressing the Need and tackling the Competitive Preference Priorities. Plus, you’ll have the chance to ask your burning questions in an interactive Q&A session. Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your proposal skills and gain a competitive edge! COE Members will have the opportunity to have their grants read and critiqued. Critiques of proposals will take place on the week of April 7.  Programs asking for a critique will be sent instructions a few days before the PWW. You must be registered by 4:00p.m. Eastern Time on April 3 — no exceptions — and your membership needs to be current.  We will only read NEW/CURRENT proposals.
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Seminar

Sustaining Excellence: Achieving Program Objectives Through Intentional Design

April 06 — 07, 2026,

This two-day virtual professional development will guide TRIO directors and staff through the core elements of program success: aligning services with objectives, using evaluation data to drive decision-making, managing change with confidence, leading staff effectively, stewarding budgets strategically, and leveraging community partnerships to expand impact.
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Online Course

A.I. Foundations for Academic Advising eTutorial

07 April — 03 May, 2026,

This 4-week, asynchronous online course is designed for advisors and TRIO professionals with little or no prior experience using AI. It provides the clarity, language, and guardrails you need to confidently explore AI tools while staying true to TRIO’s mission and values.
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Proposal Writing Workshop

Virtual Proposal Writing Workshop: Educational Opportunity Centers

April 09 — 10, 2026,

As with Talent Search, this proposal attempts to make dramatic shifts in the mission and reach of the Federal TRIO Programs. These changes could significantly alter how services are delivered and reduce both the number and size of awards available to current and prospective grantees. (Currently there 160 EOC grantees. Under the proposed structure, the number of grantees would be reduced by 65% to just 55 grantees.)
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Webinar

AI, Video and Humans First: AI Belongs in TRIO If Used Correctly

April 17, 2026,

AI and AI-generated video tools have become more visible across education. This webinar is designed specifically for TRIO directors and staff seeking a human-first, FERPA-aware approach to exploring these tools use, ethics, compliance, and student connection.
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Free Training

Virtual P3 Retention and Graduation for College and Adult Programs

April 20 — 22, 2026,

Participants will explore high-impact practices such as proactive advising, mentoring, and developing a strong academic and social support network.
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Online Course

Advising First-Generation Students eTutorial

May 05 — 31, 2026,

As an advisor, your role is pivotal in supporting the success of first-generation college students. This eTutorial provides you with the knowledge, tools, and strategies to effectively guide and support FGCS, ensuring they thrive in their academic journey.
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Webinar

Perspectives on Transferring Higher Education Programs to U.S. Department of Labor

May 13, 2026,

This session will explore the potential impact of transferring programs like TRIO from the Office of Postsecondary Education (OPE) to the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). While Career and Technical Education (CTE) has already moved to the DOL, there are concerns about shifting TRIO and similar programs, with experts warning that such a move could disrupt vital services for students. The discussion will focus on the challenges and opportunities of relocating these programs and the broader implications for educational support and workforce development. Join us for a comprehensive look at this critical issue.
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Online Course

Supporting Student Financial Wellness eTutorial

June 02 — 28, 2026,

The Supporting Student Financial Wellness eTutorial was created with TRIO professionals in mind. This online course equips you with the skills, language, and tools to confidently support students facing financial challenges—while staying firmly within your role.
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Free Training

P3 Retention and Graduation for College and Adult Programs

June 08 — 10, 2026, New Orleans, LA

This session focuses on proven strategies to support student assessment of needs, retention and graduation strategies, and the use of appropriate educational technology in project operation.
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Online Course

A.I. Foundations for Academic Advising eTutorial

07 July — 02 August, 2026,

This 4-week, asynchronous online course is designed for advisors and TRIO professionals with little or no prior experience using AI. It provides the clarity, language, and guardrails you need to confidently explore AI tools while staying true to TRIO’s mission and values.
Get more info & Register
Terrance L. Hamm

TRIO in the News

The Trump administration’s fiscal 2026 “skinny” budget proposes eliminating all $1.2 billion in federal TRIO funding—citing concerns over performance measures and accountability—even as TRIO programs currently serve roughly 870,000 low-income, first-generation, and disabled students nationwide (about 17,500 in Colorado). Bipartisan opposition—from Senate TRIO Caucus co-chair Susan Collins (R-ME) and other lawmakers to Colorado education leaders and the Council for Opportunity in Education—underscores TRIO’s demonstrated track record of boosting college access and completion and makes it likely that Congress will reject the proposed cuts.
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Working with the Media to Promote TRIO

This handbook will help you speak boldly and act strategically to ensure TRIO’s story reaches the audiences who matter most.

This practical, action-oriented guide walks you through how to effectively work with the media to ensure TRIO’s impact is seen, heard, and understood at the local and national level. Download your copy today and start building a louder, smarter media presence for TRIO.

Inside the Handbook, You’ll Find:

  • Best Practices for Working with Journalists: Build relationships with local reporters, craft compelling story pitches, and land coverage that moves decision-makers.
  • How to Write and Place an Op-Ed: Step-by-step instructions for writing a persuasive piece, plus a sample op-ed focused on TRIO funding and first-gen access.
  • Student Story Templates: Gather student and alumni testimonials that resonate with audiences and demonstrate TRIO’s real-world impact.
  • Sample Soundbites and Messaging Tips: Media-ready quotes to help you shine in interviews, speeches, and elevator conversations with policymakers.
  • Templates for Press Releases, Advisories & Event Plans: Everything you need to publicize TRIO events, campus visits, and success stories.
  • Social Media Toolkit: Strategies and sample posts to boost engagement and spotlight your students’ success.
  • Crisis Communications and Tracking Success: Be ready when tough news hits—and know how to measure and share the results of your outreach.
DOWNLOAD THE TOOLKIT

Upcoming Events

We’re bringing together students, families and TRIO professionals to further the expansion of college opportunities for low-income, first-generation students and students with disabilities by offering courses, webinars, works and more.

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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.

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Through strategic collaborations, we work to strengthen quality, opportunity and access to education for all American students — the next generation of global leaders.

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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!

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