Hello There.
My name is Kimberly Jones, and I am the President of the Council for Opportunity in Education (COE), the national organization in Washington, DC, that has fought to protect TRIO students and TRIO programs for more than 40 years.
Lately, you might have heard some scary news about big changes in education. Some people are talking about closing the Department of Education or cutting money for schools. That can feel confusing or even make you worry about the future. But do not be afraid! I want to share some important facts with you so we can stand strong for TRIO.
First, the President of the United States cannot erase laws that Congress has made. TRIO is part of federal law. Congress created TRIO in the Higher Education Act of 1965, and both Democrats and Republicans have supported these programs ever since. TRIO has helped more than 6 million students graduate from college! Many leaders in Congress–both Republicans and Democrats–have promised to keep TRIO strong.
The most important thing now you can do as TRIO students – besides focusing on your studies and becoming your own success story – is to TELL YOUR TRIO STORY! Let federal legislators know how much TRIO means to you and your family, how it has impacted your life, and why it’s critical that Congress continues to support and protect TRIO! How do you do that? It’s easier than you think.
Step 1. Look up the names of your House Representative and U.S. Senators.
Step 2. Decide whether you want to call their office or send an email. (You can reach any congressional office by dialing the Capitol Switchboard at 202-224-3121. You can send an email using this tool on the COE website.)
Step 3. Decide what you want to say. Here is a sample message to get you started… Hello, my name is [YOUR NAME], and I’m a resident of [CITY/STATE]. I am also a student of the TRIO [INSERT TRIO PROGRAM] program at [INSTITUTION NAME]. I’m reaching out to express my support for the Federal TRIO Programs. These programs provide critical services that help low-income, first-generation students across our community to prepare for and succeed in college. I faced tremendous challenges as a student and honestly never believed that college was for me. [ANY INFORMATION ABOUT FAMILY BACKGROUND OR CHALLENGES] Once I became a student in [PROGRAM NAME], however, my whole life turned around. [INCLUDE INFORMATION ABOUT ANY STRUGGLES AND HOW THE PROGRAM HELPED. I.E. WORKING WHILE IN SCHOOL, A PERSONAL CRISIS, POOR STUDY HABITS, ETC.] My TRIO counselors and peers are a second family to me – always pushing me to do my absolute best. I know that there are thousands of other students just like me who will not be successful without the support provided by TRIO. Therefore, I strongly urge you to fight to protect these programs.
Want to take it a step further? Consider sharing the message that #TRIOWORKS on social media and tagging your legislators. (Here are some sample social messages that you can use!)
Want to take things even further? Tell your friends to join you in spreading the word that #TRIOWORKS! TRIO has faced challenges before – and together we will emerge victorious from the challenges of today. But please hear me clearly, it takes all of our voices to ensure victory.
Yours In TRIO,
Kimberly Jones
COE President