Student Opportunities
COE sponsors a range of student opportunities, from a national book club and the annual National Student Leadership Congress for pre-college TRIO students to Washington, D.C. internships and short-term Keith Sherin Global Leaders study abroad for TRIO college students.
DEADLINE EXTENDED
Empower Your Students to Lead, Advocate, and Succeed in Washington, D.C.!
The Council for Opportunity in Education (COE) invites high school TRIO students from Upward Bound, Upward Bound Math-Science, and Talent Search programs to apply for the 2025 National Student Leadership Congress (NSLC)—a transformative, five-day leadership experience in Washington, D.C., from June 15–19, 2025.
At NSLC, 100 outstanding TRIO students from across the country will gain hands-on leadership training, debate policy in a Mock Congress, meet their Senators and Representatives on Capitol Hill, participate in community service, and engage in college and career planning workshops. This immersive experience will build students’ confidence, leadership skills, and civic engagement while connecting them with a national network of TRIO peers. Students must apply before Monday, March 3, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. ET.
- Do you know a high-achieving Upward Bound, UBMS, or Talent Search student who’s ready to make an impact? Directors, use this handbook to guide them through the application process.
Additional Information
Must be a high school junior or sophomore (Class of 2026 or 2027).
Must be enrolled in a TRIO Upward Bound, UBMS, or Talent Search program that is an Institutional Member of COE.
Maintain a 3.0 GPA or higher (students with a lower GPA may still apply with TRIO staff endorsement). Develop Leadership Skills – Students will gain critical decision-making, goal-setting, and negotiation skills.
Experience Real-World Advocacy – Students will meet with Members of Congress to advocate for issues that matter.
Prepare for College & Career Success – Interactive workshops will help students explore future pathways.
Engage in a Mock Congress – Students will research, draft, and debate policies that impact their communities.
Network with TRIO Peers Nationwide – This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to connect with like-minded students.APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN
Give Your TRIO Students the World!
The Council for Opportunity in Education (COE) invites TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) and McNair Scholars to apply for the 2025 Keith Sherin Global Leaders Study Abroad Program—an incredible opportunity to study global sustainability, peace, and justice in The Hague, Netherlands, from June 27 – July 26, 2025.
For nearly 20 years, this program has empowered TRIO students to explore the world beyond their communities, shaping their academic and professional futures. Selected students will engage in coursework at The Hague University of Applied Sciences (HAUS), participate in cultural exchange activities, and connect with international student leaders. Students must apply before Monday, February 24.
- Do you have TRIO SSS or McNair students ready to explore the world? Directors, use this handbook to guide them through the process.
Additional Information
Global Perspective: Students will study the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and explore how they can impact global challenges.
Real-World Experience: Through hands-on learning and site visits, students will understand international policies in a city known for peace and justice.
Academic Credit: The program awards four (4) European credit hours (equivalent to 2 U.S. credits), enhancing their academic portfolio.
Networking & Leadership Development: Students will be paired with international peers at HAUS and engage in networking events.
All Travel & Housing Included: The program covers airfare, accommodations, meals, and excursions, ensuring a full study abroad experience. TRIO SSS or McNair Scholars in good academic standing.
At least sophomore status at their institution.
Demonstrated leadership ability and commitment to learning in a global setting.
Must attend a COE Institutional Member institution.Expanding Horizons: The 2024 Keith Sherin Global Leaders Program
August 26, 2024
NSLC 2024
“National Student Leadership Congress has opened my eyes”: Future leaders realize their power in D.C. this summer.
Paige Vick, from the TRIO Talent Search program at Weatherford College in Texas, echoed similar sentiments. “NSLC has opened my eyes, and I would have never thought that I, a student from a low-income household, would get this experience,” Paige remarked. The event helped her break out of her shell, embrace her true self, and form friendships with peers from across the country. Paige’s participation in NSLC and her gratitude for the TRIO program underscore the life-changing impact of such opportunities.
Learn More
COE offers opportunities for low-income, first-generation students to gain experience working on Capitol Hill, studying abroad, and more.
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by Yvette Martinez-Vu and Miroslava Chavez-Garcia
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by Trauvello Stevenson
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Press Releases
National First-Generation College Celebration Honors First-Generation Student and Alumni Accomplishments on November 8
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by Holly Hexter, Neve Dole
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April 24, 2022
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COE Hosts Education Secretary Cardona to Facilitate 2021 Book Club Discussion with TRIO Students Nationwide
July 28, 2021
2025 BOOK CLUB SELECTION
The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls
The featured book for 2025 is The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls (2026). The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls is a remarkable memoir of resilience and redemption, and a revelatory look into the family structure. Walls takes readers on a journey through her extraordinary childhood, marked by both deep familial love and profound dysfunction. This unforgettable story will leave you reflecting on the power of perseverance and the complexities of family.
- COE invites TRIO programs to register their local book club chapters here.
- Individuals, TRIO professionals, current participants, and alumni who are interested in participating in the 2025 book club may register themselves here.
ADDITIONAL OPPRTUNITIES
COE will invite applications for these additional opportunities soon.
COE has seasonal student opportunities for TRIO high school and undergraduate students and recent TRIO graduates. Get notified when COE seeks future cohorts for the opportunities below.
Stay Connected
Learn more about how the Council for Opportunity in Education works in conjunction with colleges, universities, and agencies to help low-income students enter college and graduate.