National TRIO Alumni Association

08/20/2026

A powerful reminder that our journeys don’t have to be linear to make a lasting impact. NTAA is proud to celebrate Dr. Arnold Mitchem, President Emeritus of the Council for Opportunity in Education and a lifelong champion for TRIO, first-generation students, and educational opportunity.

After flunking out twice, Dr. Arnold Mitchem became a leading educational advocate. His inspiring journey from academic failure at Colorado State University Pueblo to fighting for first-generation college students proves persistence pays off. Read his advice for struggling students.

07/30/2026

Earlier this week, we had the pleasure of welcoming the Crowder College TRIO Talent Search Program to the Council for Opportunity in Education - COE in Washington, DC.

During their visit, 17 Talent Search seniors who graduated this past May were officially inducted into the National TRIO Alumni Association (NTAA). We are proud to welcome these outstanding graduates into a lifelong community of TRIO alumni as they begin the next chapter of their journeys.

As they take their next steps in college, careers, and beyond, they join a nationwide network of TRIO alumni who continue to lead, serve, and inspire. Their journey with TRIO does not end at graduation. It is just the beginning.

Please join us in welcoming our newest NTAA members!

💜 Once TRIO. Always TRIO. 💜

07/23/2026

A look back at last week's NTAA-DC Chapter 2026 TRIO Alumni Summer Social! 🎉

As the chapter prepares for its next season of leadership, we congratulate the current Executive Board on a successful term and thank them for their dedication, leadership, and service to the TRIO alumni community. We wish them continued success and look forward to seeing the NTAA-DC Chapter continue to grow, connect, and empower TRIO alumni for years to come.

Are you a TRIO alum living in the DC area? Comment 🔗 below, and we'll send you the information to get connected with the NTAA-DC Chapter!

07/23/2026

The nation listens when voices like Dr. Tressie McMillan Cottom Tressie McMillan Cottom speak about the power of educational opportunity and good Federal programming.

The National TRIO Alumni Association thanks you, Dr. Cottom, for sharing how Federal TRIO Upward Bound helped shape your journey and for reminding the world that these programs open doors, and change lives.

Every TRIO student has a story and each graduate is living proof that investing in first-generation students, students from limited-income backgrounds, and other students who face barriers to higher education strengthens our workforce and our nation.

07/02/2026

A proud Washingtonian and first-generation TRIO alumna of the Howard University Upward Bound Program, Revon embodies the TRIO philosophy of learning, earning, and returning. Now, she is bringing her passion and talents to strengthening the National TRIO Alumni Association and expanding opportunities for TRIO alumni across the country. Learn more about Revon here: https://coenet.org/people/revon-pauling/

07/01/2026

🎉 The Council for Opportunity in Education - COE and the National TRIO Alumni Association (NTAA) are proud to announce the 2026 National TRIO Achiever Award recipients!

Each year, this prestigious honor recognizes outstanding Federal TRIO Programs alumni whose perseverance, leadership, and accomplishments demonstrate the life-changing impact of educational opportunity. These remarkable individuals have overcome barriers to achieve success while making meaningful contributions to their professions and communities.

The 2026 National TRIO Achievers will be recognized during COE's Educational Opportunity Dinner in San Diego on Thursday, September 17, 2026.

Learn more about this year's inspiring honorees: https://coenet.org/.../the-council-for-opportunity-in.../

These five TRIO alumni whose journeys from first-generation and low-income beginnings to leaders in aviation, health justice, mechanical engineering, the arts, and professional sports remind us that access to higher education transforms lives and communities. Read how Beverly Black, Frankie Cordero,...

04/26/2026

TRIO changed your life—now it’s time to protect it for the next generation.

As a TRIO alum, your voice carries power. Congress needs to hear directly from the students whose lives were transformed by programs like Upward Bound, Talent Search, Student Support Services, Educational Opportunity Centers, McNair, and Veterans Upward Bound.

Federal TRIO Programs are facing serious threats, and silence is not an option.

Call, email, or meet with your Members of Congress today. Tell them why TRIO matters. Tell them what would have happened without it. Tell them to protect and fully fund TRIO.

Your story is your strongest form of advocacy.

Don’t wait for someone else to speak up. Be the voice your students—and your younger self—needed.

Take action now. Protect opportunity. Defend TRIO.

04/15/2026

TRIO alumni, your voice is needed—now more than ever.

The U.S. Department of Education has proposed changes that could shift TRIO away from its core mission of helping low-income and first-generation students access and succeed in college.

You know firsthand what TRIO makes possible. Now is the time to share your story with your Members of Congress and urge them to protect these life-changing programs.

Take action today:
📞 Call your elected officials
📧 Follow up with an email
👥 Encourage 5 others to do the same

Together, we can ensure TRIO remains a pathway to opportunity. Learn more here:https://coenet.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Alumni-CTA-March-2026.pdf

04/12/2026

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. Secure your spot here:

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.

04/10/2026

📣 Calling all TRIO Alumni! 📣 Your story, your experience, your advocacy—it all matters. On Wednesday, April 15, from 5:00–6:00 p.m. ET, get the latest updates on the threats facing TRIO programs—and how you can take action to protect them. Register here: https://coenet.org/conferences-events/trio-alumni-community-meeting/

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.