Dear NEOA, As many of you have heard, the Trump Administration’s Fiscal Year 2026 budget proposal calls for the complete elimination of TRIO and GEAR UP programs. The rationale? That these programs are “ineffective and obsolete.” We know this is false. Decades of data and lived experience prove that TRIO and GEAR UP change lives—especially now, as our low-income and first-generation students face increasing barriers to education and opportunity. This moment is not just serious—it is the fight we’ve been preparing for. I’m calling on every one of you to activate your students, alumni, staff, and supporters. Take immediate action by contacting your U.S. Representatives and Senators. Tell them to reject this proposal and defend TRIO. One way they can do that is by signing on to the FY26 TRIO Appropriations Letter<https://t.congressweb.com/l/?HCBAKPREWVZMTAG> in the House of Representatives. (The Senate companion letter is forthcoming, and we will keep you informed.) These letters are a powerful tool in defending these vital programs. (You can find contact information for the education aides for every Member of Congress here<https://t.congressweb.com/l/?HCBAKPREWVOJXQK>.) Make it personal. Share the impact of TRIO and GEAR UP in your district, your school, your community. Remind them that TRIO and GEAR UP are proven pathways out of poverty and into economic and civic contribution. The stakes are too high for silence. Please share the following video with your members of Congress and stakeholders - TRIO MATTERS - CCSU<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=czu6-sC1dfU> We know that TRIO and GEAR UP are not just programs—they are proven engines of economic mobility. As COE President Kimberly Jones said, “This proposal is a direct attack on students who dare to dream of college in the face of adversity.” Here’s what we need to do—starting now: * Flood your elected officials with calls and emails (from your personal accounts). * When inboxes fill up—write letters, make visits, post online. * Register and show up for the COE Government Relations Town Hall on Wednesday, May 7 at 4:00 PM ET. You can register for the webinar here<https://t.congressweb.com/l/?HCBAKPREWVYZXHV>. For support, questions, or to share ideas, reach out to our Advocacy Co-Chairs Sarah Morrell (sarah.morrell@umb.edu<mailto:sarah.morrell@umb.edu>) and Lindsay Carpenter (lindsay.carpenter@lyndoninstitute.org<mailto:lindsay.carpenter@lyndoninstitute.org>), or contact me directly. Check out our NEOA Advocacy Resource page<https://www.neoaonline.org/a_state.php>. Also be sure to check out the GEAR UP Take Action<https://www.edpartnerships.org/take-action#/> page on the NCCEP website! This is not a one-time push—it’s the beginning of a full-force, united advocacy campaign. TRIO and GEAR UP have always stood strong because of YOU. Our strength is in our collective voice, our data, and our unshakable belief in the students and communities we serve. We will not abandon the students who are our future teachers, engineers, public servants and leaders! NEOA will rise to this moment. We will face it head on—not with fear, but with fire. Together, we will fight for TRIO and GEAR UP, and we will not back down. In unity and with deep gratitude, Yara Zoccarato NEOA President [NEOA Logo] www.neoaonline.org<https://www.neoaonline.org/>