Association for Equality and Excellence in Education

Research as Resistance: Black Scholars Urged to Defy Political Pressure and Reclaim the Narrative at AABHE The EDU Ledger bestowed its longstanding John Hope Franklin award on Arnold Mitchem, the founding president of the Council for Opportunity in Education.

TRIO Alumni Community Meeting - Council for Opportunity in Education A special meeting for all TRIO alumni to provide an update on the latest threats impacting TRIO and how you can help defend current students and programs.

At a time when TRIO Programs continue to face threats, it’s important to remember: this movement was built to endure.

President Emeritus Dr. Arnold Mitchem, a lifelong advocate for educational opportunity, is being honored with the 2026 Dr. John Hope Franklin Award. His leadership didn’t just shape TRIO—it protected it.

From Capitol Hill to campuses across the country, Dr. Mitchem built a bipartisan coalition that ensured TRIO Programs could survive funding cuts, political shifts, and repeated calls for elimination.

Because of that work, more than 800,000 students are served each year.

Because of that work, TRIO is still here.

And because of that work, we have a responsibility to keep fighting.

“TRIO is eternal.”

As we navigate today’s challenges, his legacy is a call to action: protect what works, invest in students, and refuse to go backward.

Read more about his impact ⬇️
https://coenet.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Dr.-Arnold-Mitchem-Reflects-on-Lifetime-of-Advocacy-for-the-Disadvantaged-_-The-EDU-Ledger.pdf

Budget Hearing - U.S. Department of Education Meeting Status: Scheduled Hearing Date: Wednesday, May 21, 2025 - 10:00 AM Location: Capitol Complex, 2358-C RHOB, Washington, DC, 20515, USA Witnesses The Honorable Linda McMahonSecretary, U.S. Department of EducationWitness BiographyWitness Statement

SIGN OUR TRIO ALUMNI SIGN ON LETTER:

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Council for Opportunity in Education - COE...As recently as 2023, students from the highest income quartile earned college degrees at a rate more than four times that of students from the lowest income quartile (62% vs. 15%)."

AT NO COST, can we allow TRIO programs to be eliminated. The cost to students and our country is too great.

As TRIO alumni, we are calling on you all to help by doing the following:

Please REVIEW the TRIO Alumni sign-on letter and sign below. Please complete by Friday, May 23, 2025!

https://lnkd.in/eymA6f-7

How Trump’s Proposed TRIO Cuts Could Hamper College Access The Trump administration wants to eliminate the federally funded student support program. That could be devastating for low-income students and the institutions that serve them.

🚨CONFERENCE ALERT🚨

We are excited to host Dr. A. Tamika Quick, Assistant Secretary at NJ Higher Education and first-gen graduate, for her powerful plenary session "We Are the Continuation: Empowering TRIO, Sustaining Access, and Leading with Endurance"! 💪

As a former EOF scholar now shaping policy, she'll inspire us to protect educational equity in uncertain times. Together, we'll discover how to lead with purpose and sustain our vital mission! ✨

🚨 Attention Conference Attendees🚨

We are excited to announce Dr. Joshua Fredenburg, Founder of Circle of Change Leadership, as one of our AEEE Conference plenary speakers! 🎤 His presentation "We Have The Power! - Transforming Lives and Leading Effectively In Uncertain Times!" 💪 will reveal his unique methodology for addressing leadership challenges.

See you at the conference!
Sign up for our Fun Run/Walk Fundraiser - https://form.jotform.com/251066149527156

Join AEEE's Beach Run/Walk Fundraiser! 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️
Lace up your walking shoes for a good cause! 👟✨ The AEEE Conference Run/Walk Fundraiser is happening Tuesday, April 29th from 5:30-7:00 PM along the beautiful San Juan beach 🌊🏖️

All proceeds go directly to scholarships and Fair Share initiatives! 🎓💰

Proudly sponsored by Country Gentleman Antiques 🏛️, this event offers a perfect opportunity to support AEEE while enjoying the stunning coastal views with fellow participants 🌅💪

Register TODAY to secure your spot! 🎟️🎯
https://form.jotform.com/251066149527156

Contribute to our annual silent auction! 🌟 Whether handcrafted or carefully selected, all donations should reflect our "Made with Love" theme. 💝 Proceeds will go to support student scholarships, fair share, and awards! 🎓 💰 🏆

To donate an item, please contact Christina Mortellaro at [email protected]. 📧

Don't forget to register for the conference! We have two pre-con options that you can sign up for - https://www.aeeenynj.org/annual-conference