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Southwest Association of Student Assistance ProgramsTake Action Now
With the Trump Administration calling for the elimination of the Federal TRIO Programs, our federal lawmakers must hear from our community TODAY. Using the form below, you can send messages directly to your elected officials asking them to protect the Federal TRIO Program funding and ensure that our low-income, first-generation students have access to the resources they need.
Contact Congress Now:
Sample Message to Members of Congress Support the Federal TRIO Programs
You must fill all required fields and click the Edit Messages button in order to edit your message.
ALUMNI ADVOCACY: HELP SUPPORT TRIO IN FY26
Calling all alumni to fight to #ProtectTRIO now! With the Trump Administration calling for the elimination of the Federal TRIO Programs, it is critical our federal lawmakers hear from TRIO alumni TODAY. Using the form below, you can send messages directly to your elected officials asking them to protect the Federal TRIO Program funding and ensure that our low-income, first-generation students have access to the resources they need.
TRIO Sign-On Letter
COE will host another community meeting on May 20, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. Eastern to keep you informed about the rapidly evolving landscape. Mark your calendars as registration will open early next week.
Alumni Sign On Letter (over 1000 signatures already – keep it going)
BluePrint
Social Media Contacts
Prominent National TRIO Achievers
Complete List of National TRIO Achievers
TRIO Caucus
Advocacy Center
IN PERSON MEETING REQUEST
Invite your Member of Congress to visit your TRIO program! Each month, Members of Congress travel between Washington, DC and their home States and Districts to connect with local constituents. COE is challenging all members of the TRIO community to host as many local visits with your Representatives and Senators as possible between now and the end of the appropriations cycle in December. While Members of Congress are traveling, it is an opportune time to demonstrate that TRIO WORKS! Enter your contact information below and fill-in-the-blanks for the sample invitation letter drafted below.
Review the FY26 TRIO Appropriations Request Letter
Understand what’s at stake and what we’re fighting for: View the Letter
Reach Out to Congressional Staff
Follow up with a phone call or personal message: Staff Contact List
Use Local Advocacy Materials
Get talking points, social media templates, and more to help you advocate effectively: Local Advocacy Folder
Below are links to additonal TRIO resources::
- TRIO Fact Sheet
- Information on TRIO in your state
- TRIO Helps Students Graduate College
- TRIO Return on Investment
- TRIO and STEM – Strengthening the Pipeline for Low-Income Students
TRIO has never faced a larger challenge. We need to defend our programs.
As the political landscape shifts dramatically, TRIO programs and the futures of the students they serve are under unprecedented threat. With the recent election, we are facing a critical turning point. The new administration has openly targeted higher education policies that support diversity, affordability, and access—core values that TRIO programs have championed for over 60 years. We cannot afford to be passive. Now, more than ever, it’s essential for every TRIO advocate to protect our programs from harmful policies that could dismantle decades of progress.
Download the Congressional Outreach Packet here.
Congressional TRIO Caucus
The Congressional TRIO Caucus is a bipartisan group of Members of Congress supportive of the Federal TRIO Programs and higher education access for low-income, first-generation, and disabled students.
TRIO programs serve students from middle school through post-graduate study across America and provide academic tutoring, personal counseling, mentoring, financial guidance, and other supports necessary for educational access and retention. In addition to providing direct support services for students, TRIO also provides relevant training for directors and staff.
It is the aim of the Congressional TRIO Caucus to generate support for TRIO programs from congressional offices, the U.S. Department of Education, and other entities and to expand awareness of the need for improving educational opportunities for all Americans.
Key Information about your Member of Congress
- House FY25 Signers
- Senate FY25 Signers
- Appropriators by State-Region 2025
- Authorizers by State-Region 2025
- Republican Leadership 119th Congress
- Democratic Leadership 119th Congress
- Key Committees Member Lists
- Legislators with Ties to Education 119th Congress
COE Policy Seminar 2025
Any questions, please reach out to the following contacts: