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COE Award for Institutional Effectiveness

Terrance Hamm — Fri, 11 Jul 2025 19:33:40 +0000

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COE Award for Institutional Effectiveness

Community colleges today confront unprecedented challenges. The Council for Opportunity in Education (COE) is pleased to launch the inaugural COE Award for Institutional Effectiveness, a $10,000 prize awarded to three community colleges that have woven proven TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) strategies into their campus-wide student success efforts. Let’s secure the future of community colleges—one proven strategy at a time.

APPLY HERE

Why It Matters

Community colleges are the gateway to postsecondary opportunity for more than 4.5 million first-generation, low-income, and underrepresented students nationwide.

A 2019 U.S. Department of Education evaluation found that SSS participants are 47 percent more likely to complete a two-year degree or transfer and 18 percent more likely to earn a bachelor’s degree than comparable peers. By recognizing institutions that have institutionalized SSS practices—like academic coaching, mentoring, and data-driven evaluation—we aim to spotlight replicable models that boost student persistence, development, and achievement.

Who Can Apply

All public community colleges are encouraged to apply—whether you currently house an active TRIO SSS grant or your SSS program has concluded. To be eligible, your institution must:

Demonstrate how SSS-inspired practices have been embedded beyond the TRIO program into broader advising, resource alignment, or curriculum strategies.
Show evidence of measurable impact on student outcomes (e.g., retention rates, transfer metrics, credential completion) comparable to SSS benchmarks.

Join COE in celebrating community college innovation—apply for the Award for Institutional Effectiveness and showcase how your campus is transforming student lives through sustainable, opportunity-centered practices. If you have questions, email Nicole Norfles at nicole.norfles@coenet.org.

APPLY HERE

Additional Information

-Prize: $10,000 unrestricted funds to each of three winning institutions -Focus: Sustained, mission-aligned adoption of practices that support low-income and first-generation students using SSS strategies -Selection: Guided by COE’s Community College Initiative Advisory Committee—comprised of seasoned TRIO and community college leaders

-Application Deadline: October 15, 2025 -Campus Visits: November 15, 2025 – January 15, 2026 (by semifinalist invitation) -Finalists Notified: March 2026 -Award Ceremony: Fall 2026 (details to follow)

Get In Touch

If you require the password to the Directory or have any questions about these resources, please contact COE Director of Program Practice and Innovation Nicole Norfles via email at nicole.norfles@coenet.org or call (202) 347-7430.

Strengthening Community College Sustainability Through Scaled TRIO Strategies

Community colleges today confront unprecedented challenges: nationwide enrollment declines, tightening budgets, and rising student basic-needs pressures.

Institutions face shrinking revenues at precisely the moment when food and housing insecurity demand expanded support services. To close budget shortfalls—driven by falling enrollments, retention, and graduation rates—colleges must adopt evidence-based interventions that bolster student success and institutional financial health.

The Challenge: Declining Enrollment, Retention, and Revenue

Enrollment Downturn: Between 2012 and 2022, community college enrollment dropped by over 20%, eroding tuition revenues and straining institutional budgets.
Retention Pressures: Low-income and first-generation students—who make up nearly 60% of the community college population—face compounded challenges that reduce fall-to-fall retention and impede progress toward credentials.
Rising Basic-Needs Costs: Today’s students contend with food insecurity (affecting up to 45% of enrollees) and housing instability, forcing colleges to allocate scarce resources toward emergency aid and support programs.

APPLY HERE

Proven Impact of TRIO Student Support Services

Three $10,000 awards—open to colleges with current or past SSS programs—will spotlight scalable models that drive retention, completion, and economic mobility.

Scaling TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) practices campus-wide offers a data-driven path to reverse these trends:

Boosted Retention: At one Midwestern institution, students in SSS achieved a 91% fall-to-fall retention rate—nearly 30 percentage points higher than eligible nonparticipants.
Accelerated Graduation: SSS participants graduated at a rate double that of their peers, posting higher GPAs and stronger transfer outcomes to four-year universities.
Holistic Support Model: Core elements such as intrusive advising, cohort mentoring, and targeted tutoring address academic and non-academic barriers, ensuring students stay enrolled and on track to complete their credentials.

APPLY HERE

Financial and Institutional Benefits

Apply by October 15, 2025 to showcase your institution’s commitment to mission-aligned student support and to learn from peer leaders who are transforming the community college landscape.

Let’s secure the future of community colleges—one proven strategy at a time. By embedding SSS strategies beyond the TRIO grant—integrating intrusive advising into general advising centers, extending cohort programming to non-TRIO students, and applying data-driven evaluation practices—colleges can:

Increase Tuition Revenue: Higher retention and graduation rates translate directly into retaining more tuition-paying students.
Optimize Resource Allocation: Data-informed decision-making helps institutions target support that yields the greatest return on investment.
Strengthen Transfer Partnerships: Improved transfer rates enhance institutional reputation and unlock articulation agreements that attract new cohorts of incoming students.

APPLY HERE

Upcoming Events

Enhance the services you provide low-income, first-generation students and students with disabilities to increase their changes of success.

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Federal Cancellations of Upward Bound Grants Signal Broader Threat to College Access Programs

Fri, 30 May 2025 20:25:33 +0000

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Federal Cancellations of Upward Bound Grants Signal Broader Threat to College Access Programs

May 30, 2025 — by Kimberly Jones

Earlier today, Upward Bound programs across the country began receiving their long-anticipated continuation award notifications from the U.S. Department of Education. But alongside welcome news of funding extensions, at least three programs with June 1 start dates were met with a deeply troubling surprise: official letters of cancellation.

Earlier today, continuation award notifications for Upward Bound projects with June 1 start dates began to go out. However, we have also received troubling news: at least three projects with June 1 start dates have been given cancellation letters from the Department of Education. The justification for these cancellations is that, in the view of the current administration, these grants “violate the letter or purpose of Federal civil rights law; conflict with the Department’s policy of prioritizing merit, fairness, and excellence in education; undermine the well-being of the students these programs are intended to help; or constitute an inappropriate use of federal funds.”

We expect similar cancellations to be issued not only for additional Upward Bound grants but across all TRIO grant programs. We also anticipate that this reasoning may impact the results of the Student Support Services grant competition.

This alarming development underscores the need for immediate and coordinated action. Therefore, COE leadership invites you to join us on Wednesday, June 4, at 5:00 p.m. ET for a Government Relations Community Update for the entire TRIO community. During this critical update on Wednesday, we will share the latest information from the field, discuss the implications for all TRIO programs, and outline the steps COE is taking towards the continuity of services for students.

Your participation is important. Now more than ever, a unified TRIO voice is essential.

Get in Touch

Questions? Contact COE Vice President for Public Policy Diane Shust.

Diane Shust

Vice President, Public Policy diane.shust@coenet.org

Owen Toomey

Director, Congressional Affairs owen.toomey@coenet.orgsoci

Informed advocacy shapes policies

TRIO Media Relations Handbook

Terrance Hamm — Mon, 19 May 2025 16:28:57 +0000

Your New Go-To Guide for Raising TRIO’s Visibility Nationwide

Whether you’re new to media engagement or a seasoned storyteller, 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

News & Impact

More than 860,000 low-income, first-generation students and students with disabilities — from sixth grade through college graduation — are served by over 3,400 programs nationally.

The post TRIO Media Relations Handbook appeared first on Council for Opportunity in Education.

Crash Course: Fiscal Management and Budget

Trauvello Stevenson — Mon, 28 Apr 2025 11:58:33 +0000

1:00 to 3:00 p.m. ET

Empower Your TRIO Journey: Dive Deep into Legislation & Compliance | Whether you’re just starting out in TRIO or have been a dedicated champion for years, staying up-to-date on the legislation and regulations guiding our work is crucial. Our exclusive Crash Course series is designed to lead participants through every aspect of TRIO regulations, ensuring a comprehensive understanding and strengthening compliance policies and practices along the way. These dynamic webinars are suitable for all levels of TRIO staff, offering live virtual training sessions only. Please note that recordings will not be available after the webinar, so don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your expertise in real-time. Have questions? Reach out to jennifer.rudolph@coenet.org for assistance. Let’s elevate your TRIO impact together!

Upcoming Events

Enhance the services you provide low-income, first-generation students and students with disabilities to increase their chances of success.

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Advocacy Writing Lounge

Terrance Hamm — Thu, 30 Jan 2025 15:49:33 +0000

6:30 to 8:00 p.m. ET

In response to the President’s FY 2026 budget proposal that seeks to eliminate funding for TRIO programs, we are calling on the entire TRIO community to take immediate action. Join us for a national letter-writing mobilization event where TRIO students, professionals, alumni, and supporters will come together to send a powerful, unified message to Congress: TRIO works, and TRIO must be protected.

During this live event, COE will provide:

Sample letters and customizable writing prompts
Real-time support for crafting your message
Guidance on how to identify and address your U.S. Senators and Representatives
Tools for sharing your story and advocating for your program’s survival

Whether you’re a student whose life has been changed by TRIO, an educator who sees TRIO’s impact daily, or an alum who wants to give back, this is your chance to fight for what matters. TRIO has opened doors for generations. Now, it needs your voice. Join us, write your letter, and help us make sure Congress hears the truth: TRIO is essential.

SECURE YOUR SPOT HERE

Upcoming Events

Enhance the services you provide low-income, first-generation students and students with disabilities to increase their chances of success.

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Inspiring Excellence: The Cooke Young Scholars Program

Trauvello Stevenson — Tue, 26 Nov 2024 16:55:14 +0000

3:00 to 4:00 p.m. ET

Talent Search educators are invited to attend this webinar to learn more about the Young Scholars Program, how to identify the best students to apply, and how to support these students through the application process.

The Cooke Young Scholars Program is a selective five-year, pre-college scholarship for exceptionally promising 7th grade students with financial need. It provides comprehensive academic and college advising, as well as financial support for school, and other learning enrichment opportunities. Check out this flyer for more information about applying.

Starting in 8th grade, Cooke Young Scholars:
• Participate in high-quality academic and extracurricular opportunities in their local community, on college campuses, and around the globe.
• Develop their knowledge, talents, and leadership skills to be significant contributors in the world.
• Set and reach goals that will prepare them to be competitive, well-informed applicants for our nation’s top colleges and universities.

Upcoming Events

Enhance the services you provide low-income, first-generation students and students with disabilities to increase their chances of success.

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Government Relations Community Meeting

Terrance Hamm — Thu, 07 Nov 2024 15:28:08 +0000

5:00 to 6:00 p.m. ET

On Friday, May 30, notifications for Upward Bound projects with June 1 start dates began to go out. However, we have also received troubling news: at least three projects with June 1 start dates have been given cancellation letters from the Department of Education. The justification for these cancellations is that, in the view of the current administration, these grants “violate the letter or purpose of Federal civil rights law; conflict with the Department’s policy of prioritizing merit, fairness, and excellence in education; undermine the well-being of the students these programs are intended to help; or constitute an inappropriate use of federal funds.”

This is a crucial moment for the TRIO community. Your voice—and your understanding of the landscape—matters now more than ever.

Upcoming Events

Enhance the services you provide low-income, first-generation students and students with disabilities to increase their chances of success.

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Better FAFSA: Strategic Steps to Launch a Successful Campaign

Trauvello Stevenson — Thu, 31 Oct 2024 19:07:57 +0000

4:00 to 5:15 p.m. ET

Don’t wait until December—the key to mastering the FAFSA process is to start now. COE jumpstarts your journey, helps you tackle challenges, and prepares you well for the upcoming FAFSA release. In our first installment, we will guide you through the process, providing a walk through similar to what your participants might experience. We will also address any expectations programs or participants may have regarding the 2025-2026 FAFSA release. Discover the essentials needed to kickstart the FSAID process and better assist your TRIO participants.

Please note that this free event is only for COE members. If you are unable to register, reach out to Vanessa Ramirez at vanessa.ramirez@coenet.org to explore membership options. Don’t miss this opportunity to excel with COE!

Webinar

Better FAFSA: Strategic Steps & Program Participant Forms

January 07, 2025,

Get more info & Register

Webinar

Better FAFSA: Strategic Steps and Go Time

February 18, 2025,

Get more info & Register

Upcoming Events

Enhance the services you provide low-income, first-generation students and students with disabilities to increase their chances of success.

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TRIO Future Leaders Summit

Terrance Hamm — Wed, 30 Oct 2024 16:21:44 +0000

TRIO Future Leaders Summit

Are you ready to make an impact in public policy and create real change?

This isn’t just a conference. The TRIO Future Leaders Summit is your launchpad into the world of public policy. Imagine yourself networking with top policy experts, meeting members of Congress, and brainstorming solutions to real-world issues with students like you. The TRIO Future Leaders Summit is about more than just the skills you’ll put on your résumé—it’s about finding your place in public policy and discovering how to make a difference. Apply before Monday, January 13, 2025, to take your place among the next generation of policy leaders.

Please see the application handbook for more information about the summit and instructions for completing the application.
This document helps students identify funds to support their participation and students can download a sample donation request letter here.

Please contact COE Director of Student Opportunities Angela L. Holley via e-mail or phone at (202) 347-7430 if you have any questions.

KEY PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

We’re looking for driven TRIO students who want to make an impact. If you’re an undergraduate sophomore, junior, or senior active in TRIO Student Support Services or the TRIO McNair Postbaccalaureate program, this summit is for you. You should have: A minimum 3.0 GPA; leadership experience or an interest in political science, public policy, or related fields; and a passion for advocacy and public service. All majors are welcome—if you’re ready to be a change-maker, we want to hear from you!

The week is packed with opportunities to grow, network, and be inspired: Day 1: Start with an evening social to connect with your cohort and kick off this exciting journey. Day 2: Explore workshops on the impact of educational policy, build networking skills, and meet TRIO alumni who are already shaping policy on Capitol Hill. Day 3: Gain insight into imposter syndrome, learn about internship opportunities, attend a graduate school fair, and connect with professionals who can guide your future. Day 4: Take your ideas to Capitol Hill! Present your case study analysis and meet with senators and representatives to discuss real issues. Day 5: Head back home ready to make an impact with new knowledge, skills, and connections.

The registration fee is $2,000 per student and covers: Ground transportation throughout D.C.; lodging and all meals during the event; fees for activities, educational resources, and cultural excursions. Students are responsible for travel costs to and from Washington, D.C., and meals during transit. We also offer the sample donation request letter above to help you secure funding for this life-changing experience.

2025 TRIO Future Leaders Summit Informational Webinar

Learn about the application process for the 2025 TRIO Future Leaders Summit, get tips to support your students, and explore funding resources to help cover program costs. The deadline to apply for the summit has been extended to Monday, January 13, 2025.

Get more info & Register

Get in Touch

Questions? Contact Director of Student Opportunities Angela L. Holley.

Angela L. Holley

Director, Student Development Services angela.holley@coenet.org

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.

GET NOTIFIED

Each summer, COE hosts more than 150 TRIO high school student delegates from Upward Bound, Upward Bound Math-Science and Talent Search programs across the United States and territories to participate in a rigorous 6-day leadership experience in Washington, D.C. During the Leadership Congress, the delegates sleep, study, and dine on the campus of American University. In addition to meeting their Senators and Representatives on Capitol Hill, delegates participate in community service projects, conflict resolution workshops, and spend much of the program engaged in a Mock Congress. This requires students to research critical policy issues, draft legislation, and debate their peers with their assigned team.

A paid internship opportunity lasting four to six months is awarded each year to a graduating senior or recent college graduate who has participated in a federal TRIO program. The program includes an internship in a Congressional office preceded by several weeks in COE’s Washington, DC office. The internship is named for the late Thomas R. Wolanin, former staff director of the Subcommittee on Post- Secondary Education in the U.S. House of Representatives, a champion of access and affordability in postsecondary education, and a committed advocate for first-generation students.

The Keith Sherin Global Leaders Program was founded with the notion that all college students should have access to international experiences. The program supports the study of TRIO college students with demonstrated leadership skills in a three-to-four-week program. Since 2000, more than 350 low-income, first-generation college students and students with disabilities have participated in COE-sponsored short-term and semester study abroad programs in Great Britain, Mexico, the Netherlands, South Africa, and Spain.

Through the Keith Sherin Global Leaders Washington Semester Program, one high-achieving TRIO college student is selected each semester and supported with tuition, housing, and a small living stipend. The Washington, D.C. public policy program includes a semester of study at Marquette University’s Les Aspin Center and an internship placement in a Congressional office.

COE’s TRIO Career Development Program (TCDP) provides TRIO SSS and McNair students with access to competitive paid internships and jobs. TCDP builds professional skills, supports development through mentoring, provides connections to careers with top employers, and helps maximize their work experience. Students receive personalized mentoring and tools to develop and execute their career plans. After building valuable relationships, these students will be prepared to compete for highly sought-after positions with various public and private sector partners.

Learn More

Student Opportunities

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.

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Get TRIO Students Registered to Vote

Terrance Hamm — Sat, 07 Sep 2024 15:03:20 +0000

POLLING PLACE LOCATOR

Do Your TRIO Students Know Where to Go on Election Day? Or What Time Polling Starts and Ends There?

First-time voters may be uncertain or intimidated by the process. By guiding them through how to research their ballot and make informed decisions, you’re helping to demystify voting and empowering them to participate in democracy. Part of planning for Election Day is knowing when and where you’re able to cast your vote. Select your state below to review your polling place’s location, hours, and expectations. Many students, particularly those new to voting, may feel overwhelmed when they see their ballot for the first time. They may be unfamiliar with the candidates, the offices, or the local measures. By helping students research their ballot ahead of time, you give them the tools they need to make informed decisions that align with their values and the issues that matter most to them.

SELECT A STATE

BALLOT RESEARCH

Give students a peek at what measures and candidates are going to be on their ballots.

Their ballots won’t just be choosing the President in November — they’ll be voting on other positions and ballot measures that affect their community. For instance: “Did you know that funding for STEM education is impacted by decisions made by [school boards]? Our local school board elections are coming up this year, so voting in that election gives you a say in how science programs are funded in our community.” From environmental regulations that impact scientific research to education policies that shape classroom experiences, every field is influenced by decisions made by elected officials. Helping your students understand what’s on their ballot is key to empowering them to participate in the democratic process. As TRIO professionals, you play a crucial role in guiding students—especially first-generation and low-income students—through the voting process, ensuring they are informed and confident when they receive their ballots in the mail or step into the voting booth.

HELP THEM PLAN THEIR ELECTION

Major on the Ballot

Talk to your students about the issues they care about and how those issues are influenced by elected officials.

Voting isn’t just about politics—it’s about your future. Your Major on the Ballot is designed to help you see how the subjects you’re studying in the classroom connect to the democratic process and the choices you make at the ballot box. The issues that impact your field of study are decided by the leaders we elect, and understanding that connection can empower you to take action and make your voice heard. Whether you’re studying engineering, biology, art, or education, laws, regulations, policies, and government funding shape your field. But students, especially those in STEM or non-political majors, often aren’t aware of how these factors are influenced by voting. This initiative bridges that gap by showing you how the issues you care about are directly connected to what happens in elections.

LEARN MORE

Take Action Today! Get our students registered to vote.

As a TRIO professional, you are dedicated to empowering students to reach their full potential.

Now, let’s extend that empowerment to civic engagement! Voting is one of the most powerful ways to shape the future, and it all starts with registering. We invite you to join our campaign to ensure that every eligible TRIO participant—and you—are registered to vote. Completing this simple form will direct you to your local Secretary of State, Lieutenant Governor, or Department of Elections website, where you can register with ease. Register yourself and guide your of-age TRIO participants to complete the form. It’s a quick, impactful step that can make a world of difference. Let’s work together to ensure that our voices are heard loud and clear in the next election.

TAKE THE FIRST STEP HERE

Get in Touch

Questions? Contact COE Vice President for Public Policy Diane Shust.

Diane Shust

Vice President, Public Policy diane.shust@coenet.org

Owen Toomey

Director, Congressional Affairs owen.toomey@coenet.org

First-Generation College Celebration Day

November 08, 2023,

COE and the Center for First-Generation Student Success co-host annual events to elevate Celebration Day’s national profile. This year, our event centers on first-gen college students’ career trajectories by featuring a panel of first-gen graduates who have ascended into senior leader roles in some of the world’s most recognizable companies.

Get more info & Register

You searched for Strong Start - Council for Opportunity in Education

COE Award for Institutional Effectiveness

COE Award for Institutional Effectiveness

Why It Matters

Additional Information

Award Details

Timeline

Get In Touch

Popular Links

Strengthening Community College Sustainability Through Scaled TRIO Strategies

Proven Impact of TRIO Student Support Services

Financial and Institutional Benefits

Federal Cancellations of Upward Bound Grants Signal Broader Threat to College Access Programs

Federal Cancellations of Upward Bound Grants Signal Broader Threat to College Access Programs

Get in Touch

Diane Shust

Owen Toomey

Popular Links

Informed advocacy shapes policies

TRIO Media Relations Handbook

TRIO Media Relations Handbook

Your New Go-To Guide for Raising TRIO’s Visibility Nationwide

News & Impact

Crash Course: Fiscal Management and Budget

Crash Course: Fiscal Management and Budget

June 11, 2025

1:00 to 3:00 p.m. ET

Advocacy Writing Lounge

Advocacy Writing Lounge

May 27, 2025

6:30 to 8:00 p.m. ET

Inspiring Excellence: The Cooke Young Scholars Program

Inspiring Excellence: The Cooke Young Scholars Program

December 11, 2024

3:00 to 4:00 p.m. ET

Government Relations Community Meeting

Government Relations Community Meeting

June 04, 2025

5:00 to 6:00 p.m. ET

Better FAFSA: Strategic Steps to Launch a Successful Campaign