Dear NEOA Members, As many of you are aware, an Executive Order directing the closure of the Department of Education has been issued. We recognize that this is deeply concerning for all of us dedicated to educational access and student success. Now, more than ever, we must continue building on the momentum of this past week’s Policy Seminar, where over 1,000 professionals, students, and alumni engaged with more than 400 congressional offices. Our collective advocacy is crucial in ensuring that our elected officials remain committed to protecting and strengthening the programs that serve our students. TAKE ACTION: * TRIO Programs: You may wish to send an email about this matter to your Senators and House Representatives using this tool<https://t.congressweb.com/l/?BRVNOBCBJHVEZMQ> on the COE website. Please note you must include all required fields and click the Edit Messages button to edit your messages before sending. You may also find the message from COE attached to this e-mail. * GEAR UP Programs: You may wish to send an email about this matter to your Senators and House Representatives using this tool<https://www.edpartnerships.org/take-action#/> on the NCCEP website. Please note you must fill out all required fields and click the Edit Message button to edit your message before sending. NEOA remains committed to advocating for the future of our programs and the students we serve. I will continue to share updates as more information becomes available and provide guidance on any necessary actions we may need to take. Your voices, stories, and outreach to policymakers are more important than ever. Please do not hesitate to reach out if you need guidance or resources as we navigate these uncertain times together. Sincerely, Yara Zoccarato President [NEOA Logo] www.neoaonline.org<https://www.neoaonline.org/>