Center for Educational Opportunity Programs

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Center for Educational Opportunity Programs Our programs provide support to students, families, adult learners and veterans in their academic, financial, social and career goals.

CEOP is home to educational opportunity programs that provide support for academic, financial, social, and career goals to students and families by partnering with Kansas school districts and communities in Northeastern Kansas. CEOP collaborates with Kansas school districts and communities in Douglas, Franklin, Leavenworth, Shawnee, and Wyandotte counties as well as the Greater Kansas City Missouri area. CEOP proudly provides evaluation support to partners in Kansas and Tennessee. The Way CEOP Works
CEOP's five bold steps to highlight the way we are building a legacy of learners and leaders through a commitment to educational equity.
1. Pursue funding opportunities from state, federal and private sector entities to support, enhance, and expand services to participants and to the growth of the Center.
2. Advocate and improve visibility of programs by leveraging data and strategic dissemination.
3. Share our expertise through trainings, symposia and conference presentations.
4. Develop and maintain partnerships to provide accessible, holistic and innovative programs.
5. Model our expertise in social justice work.

KU’s Center for Educational Opportunity Programs (CEOP) has been selected as a recipient of a 2026 Grant!In partnershi...
09/23/2026

KU’s Center for Educational Opportunity Programs (CEOP) has been selected as a recipient of a 2026 Grant!

In partnership with the Council for Opportunity in Education - COE and with support from TIAA, this grant will help CEOP expand our First-Generation College Celebration this November and continue our mission of building a supportive community, raising awareness, and celebrating the achievements of first-generation students, faculty, staff, and alumni across KU.

We can’t wait to with our KU community! 💙❤️

One Community. One Voice. One TRIO! Members of KU TRIO and GEAR UP were proud to be part of the Kansas delegation in Wa...
03/25/2026

One Community. One Voice. One TRIO!

Members of KU TRIO and GEAR UP were proud to be part of the Kansas delegation in Washington, DC earlier this month, advocating for the students and communities TRIO and GEAR UP serves every day.

Throughout the visit, TRIO and GEAR UP professionals, students, and alumni shared stories of how TRIO and GEAR UP programs opens doors to higher education and future opportunities throughout their lives.

A special moment included Dr. Wilson presenting Senator Moran with an “I’m First Too” poster, highlighting first-generation student success and the importance of continued support for TRIO and GEAR UP programs.

Moments like this show how advocacy helps ensure these opportunities continue for future generations of first-generation students, low-income students, and students with disabilities.

Thank you to everyone who represented Kansas, KU TRIO, and GEAR UP. Your dedication continues to make a difference. This is why

02/26/2026

This year marks the 40th anniversary of the first National TRIO Day, a milestone that reminds us why our collective voice, visibility, and storytelling matte...

11/10/2025

🎓 It’s FAFSA Time! 🎓

Hey TRIO Seniors and Parents! đź‘‹

💰 Let’s get your FAFSA submitted and make sure you’re ready for college financial aid!

âś… Bring your parent/guardian and any needed financial info
âś… Get one-on-one help from FAFSA Experts!
✅ Don’t miss this chance to secure your financial aid for college!
**open to all TRIO Talent Search seniors!

đź“Ť Where: JC Harmon High School
🗓 When: Thursday, November 13th, 4:30–6:30 PM

Let’s get it done together — your future starts now! 🌟

The Center for Educational Opportunity Programs has selected 12 new honorees to appear on KU’s seventh annual I Am First...
11/03/2025

The Center for Educational Opportunity Programs has selected 12 new honorees to appear on KU’s seventh annual I Am First Too poster. The 2025 poster honors KU first-generation students, alumni, staff, and faculty who have excelled as role models, leaders, and advocates for first-generation student success. Please join us for the I Am First poster unveiling and reception on Monday, November 3rd at 3pm in the Kansas Union Ballroom.

Honoree: U.S. Senator Jerry Moran
Program: Alumni, B.S., Economics, J.D., University of Kansas School of Law
Quote: "As a first-generation college student, I recognize a college education can be an avenue to open new doors and opportunities for young people. Throughout my time in Congress, I have supported programs like TRIO and other initiatives to help first-generation students succeed because our state is stronger when every student -- no matter their background -- has the opportunity to achieve their goals."

The Center for Educational Opportunity Programs has selected 12 new honorees to appear on KU’s seventh annual I Am First...
11/03/2025

The Center for Educational Opportunity Programs has selected 12 new honorees to appear on KU’s seventh annual I Am First Too poster. The 2025 poster honors KU first-generation students, alumni, staff, and faculty who have excelled as role models, leaders, and advocates for first-generation student success. Please join us for the I Am First poster unveiling and reception on Monday, November 3rd at 3pm in the Kansas Union Ballroom.

Honoree: Curtis Nelson, B.S.
Program: Alumni, Civil Engineering
Quote from Curtis's nominator: "As an undergraduate student, it was not uncommon for Curtis to personally bring friends, classmates, and fraternity members to the TRIO office for introductions. In Curtis's own words, 'Eager to share this support, I shepherded numerous fellow underrepresented students from my fraternity and classes to the TRIO office to empower them on their journey toward academic success.' Curtis values community as an integral part of the KU experience and strives to connect first-gen students with resources to enhance learning and a sense of belonging."

The Center for Educational Opportunity Programs has selected 12 new honorees to appear on KU’s seventh annual I Am First...
11/03/2025

The Center for Educational Opportunity Programs has selected 12 new honorees to appear on KU’s seventh annual I Am First Too poster. The 2025 poster honors KU first-generation students, alumni, staff, and faculty who have excelled as role models, leaders, and advocates for first-generation student success. Please join us for the I Am First poster unveiling and reception on Monday, November 3rd at 3pm in the Kansas Union Ballroom.

Honoree: Sabrina Gregersen, Ph.D.
Program: Alumni, Ph.D. in Psychology with a Minor in Quantitative Methods

Quote: "Being first-generation is important to me because it's not always easy to step out of your comfort zone or to reach beyond what you have always known. I want future generations of my family and other first-generation students to know their dreams are possible, and there are people willing to help. I am forever grateful for the love of my family and the support of faculty mentors, KU CEOP, and the KU TRIO McNair Scholars Program. Without this support, I would not have earned my Ph.D."

The Center for Educational Opportunity Programs has selected 12 new honorees to appear on KU’s seventh annual I Am First...
10/29/2025

The Center for Educational Opportunity Programs has selected 12 new honorees to appear on KU’s seventh annual I Am First Too poster. The 2025 poster honors KU first-generation students, alumni, staff, and faculty who have excelled as role models, leaders, and advocates for first-generation student success. Please join us for the I Am First poster unveiling and reception on Monday, November 3rd at 3pm in the Kansas Union Ballroom.

Honoree: Marsha McCartney, Ph.D.
Program: Faculty, Department of Psychology, University of Kansas College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
Quote: "I am honored to be on the I Am First Too poster because I know firsthand the challenges and opportunities of being a first-generation college student. I take pride in sharing my own journey, supporting first-gen students, and normalizing the struggles of these students. I want FGCS to see the possibilities when they have guidance and encouragement!"

The Center for Educational Opportunity Programs has selected 12 new honorees to appear on KU’s seventh annual I Am First...
10/29/2025

The Center for Educational Opportunity Programs has selected 12 new honorees to appear on KU’s seventh annual I Am First Too poster. The 2025 poster honors KU first-generation students, alumni, staff, and faculty who have excelled as role models, leaders, and advocates for first-generation student success. Please join us for the I Am First poster unveiling and reception on Monday, November 3rd at 3pm in the Kansas Union Ballroom.

Honoree: Ashley Hernandez, B.A.
Program: Alumni, Human Biology, Pre-Med Track
Quote: "I am honored to be on the I Am First Too poster because it represents my family, who sacrificed everything for a better future, the KU community that helped me find my voice, and the resilience that defines the first-gen experience. As a proud first-generation Latina, I wanted to create something lasting, which led me to found KU Latinos in Medicine -- the first Latino pre-med organization on campus. This recognition reminds me that when we create spaces for others to belong, we turn our own journey into someone else's beginning, and that's the true power of being first-generation."

The Center for Educational Opportunity Programs has selected 12 new honorees to appear on KU’s seventh annual I Am First...
10/28/2025

The Center for Educational Opportunity Programs has selected 12 new honorees to appear on KU’s seventh annual I Am First Too poster. The 2025 poster honors KU first-generation students, alumni, staff, and faculty who have excelled as role models, leaders, and advocates for first-generation student success. Please join us for the I Am First poster unveiling and reception on Monday, November 3rd at 3pm in the Kansas Union Ballroom.

Honoree: Kevin Foster, B.S.
Program: Assistant Director, Financial Aid & Scholarships
Quote: "I am honored to be on the I Am First Too poster because... in my current role, I have the amazing privilege of working every day with first-generation college students. As a first-gen student myself, I understand the financial and personal challenges that come with being the first in your family to go to college. I was incredibly fortunate to have a family willing and able to support me through my journey, but not all of us share that same story. I have profound respect for our first-generation population, and aim to do everything in my power as a financial aid administrator to advocate for and support students as they navigate the financial barrier of obtaining a degree. It is an absolute honor to serve our students, and I hope to do so for many more years to come!"

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Joseph R. Pearson Hall 1122 West Campus Road
Lawrence, KS
66045

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