New England Educational Opportunity Association

06/24/2026

PLATTSBURGH | On Wednesday, SUNY Plattsburgh President Dr. Alexander announced that the university's Upward Bound will return.

06/19/2026

Today, we honor Juneteenth; a celebration of freedom, resilience, and the ongoing pursuit of equity.

As educators, advocates, and leaders, we recognize that expanding educational opportunity is part of the work of advancing freedom. We celebrate the generations who fought for justice, honor the communities who continue that work today, and recommit ourselves to building a future where every student has the opportunity to thrive.

At NEOA, we believe that education is a pathway to empowerment, and that equity is essential to opportunity.

❤️🖤💚 Happy Juneteenth.

06/08/2026

Applications Close June 15!

Are you ready to grow as a leader in TRIO, GEAR UP, and Educational Opportunity Programs?

The NEOA Arnold L. Mitchem Leadership Institute (AMLI) is a year-long leadership development experience designed to help EOP professionals strengthen their leadership skills, build meaningful professional networks, and develop strategies to lead with integrity, resilience, and purpose.

- Open to professionals at all levels—from advisors and counselors to coordinators and directors
- Learn alongside a diverse cohort of up to 14 EOP professionals from across New England
- Three immersive leadership retreats in Plymouth, NH
- Virtual coaching and community-building throughout the year
- Tuition: $850 (an allowable TRIO & GEAR UP cost)

Under the leadership of Dr. Elyse Pratt-Ronco, AMLI continues the legacy of Dr. Arnold L. Mitchem by preparing the next generation of ethical, innovative, and socially responsible leaders dedicated to expanding educational opportunity.

Application Deadline: June 15, 2026
Questions? Contact Elyse Pratt-Ronco at [email protected]
Apply today: https://forms.gle/pxaB268915o5A2U8A

06/07/2026

TRIO Programs alum Anthony Brooks is making a powerful impact in K–12 education as the Assistant Superintendent of Schools in the Waterbury Public Schools district in Connecticut, overseeing a system of 34+ schools.

A proud graduate of the University of Connecticut, Anthony earned his undergraduate degree, sixth-year diplomas, and an executive leadership certificate there, and is now continuing his journey as a doctoral candidate in Educational Leadership at UConn.

From early study abroad experiences in England and the Netherlands to leading school improvement work in high-needs, high-performing environments, Anthony’s path reflects a deep commitment to equity-centered leadership and systems change.

We were excited to welcome him back at the New England Educational Opportunity Association 50th Anniversary Conference this past April for the Alumni Breakfast and opening-day events.

“My leadership philosophy is grounded in transformational leadership and systems thinking… I build collective efficacy by connecting vision to daily practice and ensuring every initiative advances equity, engagement, and excellence.”

TRIO alumni don’t just succeed...they lead transformation.

06/04/2026

After advocacy from the New Hampshire Congressional delegation, the U.S. Department of Education has begun releasing delayed Grant Award Notifications (GANs) for FY2026 TRIO Upward Bound programs.

TRIO programs, including Upward Bound, Talent Search, and the McNair Scholars Program, support first-generation college students, students from low-income backgrounds, and students with disabilities in accessing and completing higher education.

This funding delay created uncertainty for programs across the state, but continued advocacy helped move funding forward and prevent major disruptions.

“TRIO Upward Bound programs change lives…” — Rep. Chris Pappas

“Students and institutions should never have faced this uncertainty…” — Sen. Jeanne Shaheen

“I’m glad to see funding released, but it should never have taken this long…” — Sen. Maggie Hassan

“I will not quit fighting for every penny promised to our people.” — Rep. Maggie Goodlander

Programs like Upward Bound continue to show strong outcomes nationwide, supporting college access, persistence, and degree completion for thousands of students each year.

Huge appreciation to advocates, educators, and congressional champions who pushed to ensure students can continue receiving these life-changing opportunities.

Read the full article HERE: https://pappas.house.gov/media/press-releases/following-push-from-nh-delegation-dept-of-education-releases-funding-for-trio-upward-bound-programs

Council for Opportunity in Education - COE

Following the New Hampshire Congressional delegation’s calls for the Department of Education to issue the delayed Grant Award Notifications (GANs) for fiscal year 2026 TRIO Upward Bound programs, GANs have begun to be released.

05/21/2026

Today, our Current President & President-Elect took to the Hill to advocate for the future of educational opportunity and student success. Grateful for meetings with the offices of Senator Warren, Senator Markey, Congressman Moulton, and for the opportunity to leave materials with Congresswoman Pressley’s office as we emphasized the importance of rescinding, revising, and reissuing the EOC and TS RFPs and sustaining FY27 funding.

Programs like these change lives every single day. Advocacy matters. Students matter. Access matters.

05/13/2026

The countdown to San Diego is on—and your voice belongs in the conversation.

Submit your session proposal by Wednesday, April 8 and help define what excellence looks like in today’s TRIO landscape.

Submit here: https://fs3.formsite.com/coecoecoecoe/qgd7mwpnsw/index

San Diego sets the stage. TRIO provides the purpose. You bring the leadership.

05/12/2026

Congratulations to our Essay Scholarship Winners!

Your stories reminded us that being first-generation and/or low-income is not a limitation; it is a source of strength, resilience, courage, and vision. Through your essays, you shared powerful reflections on breaking barriers, pursuing higher education, overcoming obstacles, and dreaming beyond limits.

Thank you to every student who submitted their story and trusted us with your lived experiences. Your voices matter, your journeys matter, and your futures are incredibly bright. ❤️

Please continue sharing this opportunity with your students and communities! This competition was created to uplift and amplify the voices of FGLI students through storytelling and scholarship support.

Essay Categories Included:
• The First, Not the Last
• Breaking Barriers
• Dreaming Beyond Limits
• Open Category

05/03/2026

05/01/2026

For 60 years, TRIO has helped millions of people along the path to a degree, but the administration says it is no longer needed.