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Welcome to the NEOA Navigator!
We’re excited to introduce the new name for our newsletter: The NEOA Navigator! This fresh title reflects our mission to guide, inform, and inspire our community as we navigate the ever-evolving landscape of educational opportunity. Just like a navigator charts the best course, this newsletter aims to provide valuable updates, resources, and highlights to keep you connected and engaged.
We hope you enjoy the journey with us as we continue to celebrate the work of our members and the incredible achievements of the students and communities we serve.
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Welcome to the Advocacy Edition of our Newsletter!
As leaders and staff of Educational Opportunity Programs, advocacy isn’t just something we do—it’s the heart of who we are.
In this special edition, we’re diving into the WHY, WHAT, and HOW of advocacy for our programs:
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WHY do we advocate?
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WHAT (and WHO) are we advocating for?
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HOW do we make our voices heard?
From gearing up for the Policy Seminar to engaging with state leaders and members of Congress, this issue is all about championing the causes that matter most to our students, our communities, and the future of educational access.
✨ Pro tip: Advocacy doesn’t always wear a suit—it’s about standing up for what matters and making a difference wherever you are.
If you’re heading to the COE Policy Seminar, don’t miss the critical details we’ve packed inside—we’ve got everything you need to show up prepared and ready to advocate for change.
Let’s raise our voices, take action, and ensure that our programs continue to thrive!
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Presidential Message
Dear NEOA Members,
As we continue our mission to champion educational opportunity and equity, I want to emphasize the critical need for us to advocate for TRIO programs. With the upcoming Policy Seminar, we have a unique opportunity to demonstrate the transformative impact of TRIO and secure support for the vital work we do within our region!
While we are fortunate to have strong bipartisan support for TRIO, it is important to remember that advocacy is an ongoing process. Even with the support we already have, we must continue to share our stories and build relationships to ensure TRIO remains a priority in federal funding discussions.
I urge each of you to connect with your program alumni and encourage them to share their stories through letters to their congressional representatives. Personal testimonials are among the most powerful tools to highlight the success of TRIO programs and the importance of continued federal funding. These letters give a voice to the students whose lives TRIO has changed and remind policymakers of the real impact of their decisions.
Additionally, I encourage you to join us at the COE Policy Seminar. This event is a chance to not only advocate for TRIO but to stand together as a community in support of educational equity. Your presence and engagement make a difference as we meet with representatives to highlight the importance of investing in TRIO.
Learn More About Policy Seminar & Register Here!
Together, we can ensure that TRIO remains a priority in federal funding discussions and continues to open doors for first-generation, low-income, and students with disabilities. Thank you for your unwavering dedication to our students and programs.
In partnership,
Yara Zoccarato
NEOA President
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Half-Day Virtual Mini-Retreat:
Recharging Together for the Road Ahead
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Join us for an afternoon of reflection and renewal. This virtual mini-retreat is designed for educators, advisors, and student support professionals navigating post-inauguration transitions.
🗓 Date: February 6th, 2025
⏰ Time: 1:00 PM–4:00 PM EST
📍 Platform: Zoom
What to Expect:
- Opening Plenary: "Steadying the Ship: Navigating Change with Resilience and Self-Care"
- Wellness Workshops: Choose from sessions on mindfulness, boundary-setting, or supporting students.
- Community Connection: Share strategies and create a collective "Strengths & Resilience List."
- Closing Activity: Engage in yoga, meditation, or journaling to ground and inspire.
Take this time to care for yourself while renewing your focus on supporting students. Let’s recharge together for the road ahead!
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Policy Seminar 2025: Get Ready!
The incoming administration has openly targeted education generally and TRIO, in particular, through past budget proposals, which would have eliminated entire programs and shifted TRIO to block grant funding to the states. During the 2025 Policy Seminar, you’ll have the chance to join forces with TRIO alumni, professionals, and advocates nationwide. This event includes our Leadership Summit, Seminar on Relations with the U.S. Department of Education, and Legislative Conference—a powerful lineup designed to prepare you to advocate fiercely for TRIO.
Download the paper registration form here.
Important Dates
Deadline for Early Registration
Deadline for Hotel Room Block
- February 20, 2025 (or at capacity)
Leadership Summit
Seminar on Relations with the Education Department
Legislative Conference
- Monday through Wednesday, March 17-19, 2025
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NEOA has a robust turnout every year, sending teams full of New England professionals and alumni, representing each state, and program. We are calling on our members to help support our state leaders this year in advocating for the many vital issues and legislation that will impact our students and programs for years to come. This is a particularly important year for us to demonstrate our commitment and resolve and the power in our numbers. Please reach out to your state presidents, state liaisons, and the NEOA Advocacy Committee for more information about joining a state team.
The detailed agenda can be found here.
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Using Social Media for Advocacy:
Gearing Up for Policy Seminar
Social media is a vital tool to showcase the impact of TRIO and GEAR UP programs as we prepare for the Policy Seminar. Here’s how to make your posts count:
How to Use Social Media
- Highlight Success Stories: Share how TRIO and GEAR UP change lives through student achievements and testimonials.
- Tag Decision-Makers: Mention policymakers to increase visibility and invite engagement.
- Use Campaign Hashtags: Amplify your message with #TRIOWorks, #GEARUPworks, and other advocacy tags.
- Share Visuals: Post pictures or videos of program activities, infographics, or student quotes for maximum impact.
When to Post
- Before the Seminar: Build momentum by sharing program highlights and advocacy goals.
- During the Seminar: Post live updates, tag officials, and share the excitement of student voices being heard.
- After the Seminar: Thank supporters and share the outcomes of your efforts.
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With consistent, impactful content, you can advocate effectively and prepare for a strong presence at the Policy Seminar.
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How to Allocate Costs Associated with the 2025 COE Policy Seminar
Please use the charts below to help you allocate funds appropriately between grant funds (Leadership Summit, Seminar on Relations with the U.S. Department of Education (ED Seminar)) and institutional/other funds (Legislative Conference).
For more information about the Policy Seminar, please visit coenet.org/policy-seminar/.
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Testimonial for Policy Seminar | |
"I feel policy seminar was one of the most impactful experiences I ever had in TRIO. The level of preparation and what we learned about advocacy, current ed issues, future opportunities and threats, was outstanding. It put us in a position to go back to our regions and spread the news, the “word”, with passion, commitment, and even authority. “I learned at Policy that..” | |
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Became an often used beginning of a discussion on all things educational opportunity.
My other take- away from attending Policy Seminar was the vastness of our movement. Seeing teams from all regions, from all over the country, working hard for the same values we all shared, was amazingly encouraging and empowering. Meeting them in the halls of Congress, (literally) running from one Congressional meeting to the next, giving a shout~out of encouragement as we passed, was both heartwarming and inspirational.
And then of course teams reporting back at the end of the day. Given the on-going and unwavering commitment of our Congressional delegations to educational opportunity, I was always proud of the level of support we from NEOA could report on. "
Pam Boisvert, Former NEOA President
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A Few Tips for a Great Policy Seminar Experience
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Stay Connected: Share contact info and maintain communication with team leaders, team members, and the NEOA President throughout the seminar.
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Prepare & Organize: Assign team roles, know your state data thoroughly, and prepare concise, impactful stories highlighting TRIO’s local impact.
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Spotlight Alumni: Let alumni take the lead in sharing their stories after brief overviews of state and district data.
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Be Flexible: Expect schedule changes or obstacles. Adapt quickly and communicate with your team.
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Professionalism & Comfort: Dress professionally, travel light for security, and wear comfortable shoes for walking long distances.
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Follow Up: Send prompt thank-you emails and invite members to visit your campus when back in the district.
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Represent & Advocate: Support your team, participate fully in the rally, and embrace the experience as an advocate for TRIO.
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Annual Conference 2025
Mark your calendars for April 9-11 and join us for an inspiring and engaging event. Early bird registration is now open!
This year, we’re also offering a pre-conference workshop:
Title: Grant Proposal Writing Workshop
Presenter: Donna Thompson
Audience: Talent Search and EOC
Time: 2 PM – 6 PM
Visit the Annual Conference page on the NEOA website for more information and registration links.
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It's Almost Here!
TRIO Day 2025 is just around the corner! Join us on February 20-21, 2025, at the Sheraton Nashua Hotel in Nashua, New Hampshire, to celebrate the achievements of TRIO programs and students.
The event will feature workshops, a college fair, and opportunities to connect with peers and professionals.
Please note that registration has reached capacity and is now closed.
For more information, visit the NEOA TRIO Day page.
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Have questions, comments, concerns, or ideas for the newsletter? Is there something you'd love to see featured? We want to hear from YOU! Feel free to reach out and share your input.
NEOA Public Relations Co-Chair Bryan - blandgren@suffolk.edu
NEOA Public Relations Co-Chair Linda - shilcorm88@gmail.com
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