Dear NEOA community, As your President, I want to thank you for continuing to stay engaged – we have important work to do, and your voice is critical. Please take a few moments to read the important updates below and prepare for key events happening today and tomorrow!! HAPPENING TODAY: Wednesday May 21st * U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon will be testifying in front of the House Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Committee. Please tune in to the hearing at 10:00am here<https://appropriations.house.gov/schedule/hearings/budget-hearing-us-department-education> HAPPENING TOMORROW: Thursday May 22nd @ 3:00pm * NEOA Membership Town Hall Join us for an important virtual town hall! This is your chance to raise concerns, ask questions, and stay connected to our advocacy efforts and strategic direction. ➡️ Register Here<https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/JgDUVBMlRUeGvFh4dnJXWA#/registration> TRIO: ADVOCACY ACTION NEEDED * TRIO Alumni Sign-On Letter Help us reach our national goal of 10,000 signatures by May 23rd! ➡️ Sign and Share the #TRIOProtect Letter<https://fs3.formsite.com/coecoecoecoe/gue9fat7y6/index> * House TRIO Letter Signers Here is the link to the House signers of the TRIO letter<https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:VA6C2:feed9dee-55fa-4f4e-ab3e-607c4853c74d?viewer%21megaVerb=group-discover>. Continue to engage with your Representatives and thank them for standing with us. The * Senate TRIO Letter Signers The Senate letter<https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:VA6C2:459e42ce-fe42-49a5-9071-0b40e5fdfa55?viewer%21megaVerb=group-discover> deadline has been extended by Sen Warnock’s office to tonight, Wednesday May 21st. Please reach out to your Senators and ask them to sign on! If they are on the list of signees, be sure to thank them for their support! You may find a list of those who signed here<https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:VA6C2:27fe56cb-8ab5-4a3e-9333-03a7c23a8004> GEAR UP: LIFT YOUR VOICE * GEAR UP Directors Please ensure you’ve reviewed and submitted the Dear Colleague Letter – due TODAY, May 21. * GEAR UP Alumni Letter The GEAR UP Alumni Association is still collecting signatures from college students (18+) and alumni for their national advocacy letter. Deadline: May 27, 2025. ➡️ Sign the Alumni Letter<https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/8317473/GEAR-UP-Alumni-Letter-2026?mc_cid=fee4495019&mc_eid=2a75a5e31a> I understand and want to validate the uncertainty and fear that our community is feeling. We are facing concerning times. Know that you are not alone, there is a network of TRIO and GEAR UP leaders and supporters in this with us! Let’s continue to lead with courage, clarity, and collective strength! Every signature, every email, every conversation with a legislator moves us one step closer to protecting the future of TRIO and GEAR UP. With you in this fight, Yara Zoccarato NEOA President 203-837-9399 https://www.neoaonline.org/index.php [NEOA Logo] Falo Portugues; Hablo Español