Empathy List Archives

YZ

Yara Zoccarato

Fri, May 30, 2025 4:51 PM

Dear NEAO State Leaders,

I’m reaching out to encourage your participation in an important call this evening, Friday, May 30 at 5:00pm, regarding recent developments affecting TRIO programs, particularly Upward Bound.

Earlier today, the Council for Opportunity in Education (COE) shared that while many Upward Bound programs have received their 2025–2026 Grant Award Notices, a small number have instead received notices of grant non-renewal. These notices cite concerns related to federal civil rights law and alignment with Department of Education policies. Although details are still emerging, COE leadership believes this may impact other TRIO projects as well.

To help us stay informed and prepared, COE will host a special briefing today for TRIO leaders, state presidents, and supporters of college access programs. Your voice and awareness are important, and I encourage you or a member of your team to attend:

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89796246716?pwd=ygQYIZ0KWExj2acwJMeiZogOuFX9vh.1&from=addon

Meeting ID: 897 9624 6716
Passcode: 851868

A broader government relations meeting is also scheduled for Wednesday, June 4, with details to follow.

As someone who has seen firsthand the positive impact TRIO programs have on students in our region, I believe it is vital that we remain engaged and informed during this time.

Warm regards,
Yara Zoccarato
NEOA President – Elect
203-837-9399
https://www.neoaonline.org/index.php
[NEOA Logo]
Falo Portugues; Hablo Español

Please be cautious
This email was sent from outside of your organization

Hello COE Board Members and Special Committee Members:

Like many of you, we have begun to learn of many June 1 Upward Bound projects that have received their 2025-2026 Grant Award Notices at FY24 funding levels. However, we have also learned of at least two Upward Bound projects that have received grant cancellation notices because the grants "violate the letter or purpose of Federal civil rights law; conflict with the Department’s policy of prioritizing merit, fairness, and excellence in education; undermine the well-being of the students these programs are intended to help; or constitute an inappropriate use of federal funds."

It is our best information that similar such notices will be distributed to other grantees across all TRIO programs.

COE will host a general community-wide government relations meeting next week on Wednesday, June 4 at 5:00 p.m. Eastern. (Registration information is forthcoming.) In the meantime, COE leadership will host a special call for you (and include our state/chapter presidents) so that you will have the latest information at hand as you interact with your membership.

Please find the dial-in information below:

Friday, May 30, 2025
5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. (Eastern)

Kimberly Jones is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89796246716?pwd=ygQYIZ0KWExj2acwJMeiZogOuFX9vh.1&from=addon

Meeting ID: 897 9624 6716
Passcode: 851868

We look forward to speaking with you this afternoon.

Kimberly Jones, JD, CAE

President

Council for Opportunity in Education

Washington, DC

kimberly.jones@coenet.org mailto:kimberly.jones@coenet.org

202.347.7430 (office)

202.489.6745 (mobile)

www.coenet.org http://www.coenet.org/

[cid:3af287aa-c6db-4722-aa6c-d7f200e322e0]https://coenet.org/annual-conference/

Dear NEAO State Leaders, I’m reaching out to encourage your participation in an important call this evening, Friday, May 30 at 5:00pm, regarding recent developments affecting TRIO programs, particularly Upward Bound. Earlier today, the Council for Opportunity in Education (COE) shared that while many Upward Bound programs have received their 2025–2026 Grant Award Notices, a small number have instead received notices of grant non-renewal. These notices cite concerns related to federal civil rights law and alignment with Department of Education policies. Although details are still emerging, COE leadership believes this may impact other TRIO projects as well. To help us stay informed and prepared, COE will host a special briefing today for TRIO leaders, state presidents, and supporters of college access programs. Your voice and awareness are important, and I encourage you or a member of your team to attend: Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89796246716?pwd=ygQYIZ0KWExj2acwJMeiZogOuFX9vh.1&from=addon Meeting ID: 897 9624 6716 Passcode: 851868 A broader government relations meeting is also scheduled for Wednesday, June 4, with details to follow. As someone who has seen firsthand the positive impact TRIO programs have on students in our region, I believe it is vital that we remain engaged and informed during this time. Warm regards, Yara Zoccarato NEOA President – Elect 203-837-9399 https://www.neoaonline.org/index.php [NEOA Logo] Falo Portugues; Hablo Español Please be cautious This email was sent from outside of your organization ________________________________ Hello COE Board Members and Special Committee Members: Like many of you, we have begun to learn of many June 1 Upward Bound projects that have received their 2025-2026 Grant Award Notices at FY24 funding levels. However, we have also learned of at least two Upward Bound projects that have received grant cancellation notices because the grants "violate the letter or purpose of Federal civil rights law; conflict with the Department’s policy of prioritizing merit, fairness, and excellence in education; undermine the well-being of the students these programs are intended to help; or constitute an inappropriate use of federal funds." It is our best information that similar such notices will be distributed to other grantees across all TRIO programs. COE will host a general community-wide government relations meeting next week on Wednesday, June 4 at 5:00 p.m. Eastern. (Registration information is forthcoming.) In the meantime, COE leadership will host a special call for you (and include our state/chapter presidents) so that you will have the latest information at hand as you interact with your membership. Please find the dial-in information below: Friday, May 30, 2025 5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. (Eastern) Kimberly Jones is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting. Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89796246716?pwd=ygQYIZ0KWExj2acwJMeiZogOuFX9vh.1&from=addon Meeting ID: 897 9624 6716 Passcode: 851868 We look forward to speaking with you this afternoon. Kimberly Jones, JD, CAE President Council for Opportunity in Education Washington, DC kimberly.jones@coenet.org<mailto:kimberly.jones@coenet.org> 202.347.7430 (office) 202.489.6745 (mobile) www.coenet.org<http://www.coenet.org/> [cid:3af287aa-c6db-4722-aa6c-d7f200e322e0]<https://coenet.org/annual-conference/>

SM

Sarah Morrell

Fri, May 30, 2025 5:01 PM

Thank you for alerting us, Yara.

Congratulations to all the June 1 UB programs who have received their GANs today, amid such potentially serious implications for the TRIO community.

Sarah

On May 30, 2025, at 12:51 PM, Yara Zoccarato zoccaratoy@wcsu.edu wrote:

CAUTION: EXTERNAL SENDER
Dear NEAO State Leaders,

I’m reaching out to encourage your participation in an important call this evening, Friday, May 30 at 5:00pm, regarding recent developments affecting TRIO programs, particularly Upward Bound.

Earlier today, the Council for Opportunity in Education (COE) shared that while many Upward Bound programs have received their 2025–2026 Grant Award Notices, a small number have instead received notices of grant non-renewal. These notices cite concerns related to federal civil rights law and alignment with Department of Education policies. Although details are still emerging, COE leadership believes this may impact other TRIO projects as well.

To help us stay informed and prepared, COE will host a special briefing today for TRIO leaders, state presidents, and supporters of college access programs. Your voice and awareness are important, and I encourage you or a member of your team to attend:

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89796246716?pwd=ygQYIZ0KWExj2acwJMeiZogOuFX9vh.1&from=addon

Meeting ID: 897 9624 6716
Passcode: 851868

A broader government relations meeting is also scheduled for Wednesday, June 4, with details to follow.

As someone who has seen firsthand the positive impact TRIO programs have on students in our region, I believe it is vital that we remain engaged and informed during this time.

Warm regards,
Yara Zoccarato
NEOA President – Elect
203-837-9399
https://www.neoaonline.org/index.php
<image001.png>
Falo Portugues; Hablo Español

Please be cautious
This email was sent from outside of your organization

Hello COE Board Members and Special Committee Members:

Like many of you, we have begun to learn of many June 1 Upward Bound projects that have received their 2025-2026 Grant Award Notices at FY24 funding levels. However, we have also learned of at least two Upward Bound projects that have received grant cancellation notices because the grants "violate the letter or purpose of Federal civil rights law; conflict with the Department’s policy of prioritizing merit, fairness, and excellence in education; undermine the well-being of the students these programs are intended to help; or constitute an inappropriate use of federal funds."

It is our best information that similar such notices will be distributed to other grantees across all TRIO programs.

COE will host a general community-wide government relations meeting next week on Wednesday, June 4 at 5:00 p.m. Eastern. (Registration information is forthcoming.) In the meantime, COE leadership will host a special call for you (and include our state/chapter presidents) so that you will have the latest information at hand as you interact with your membership.

Please find the dial-in information below:

Friday, May 30, 2025
5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. (Eastern)

Kimberly Jones is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89796246716?pwd=ygQYIZ0KWExj2acwJMeiZogOuFX9vh.1&from=addon

Meeting ID: 897 9624 6716
Passcode: 851868

We look forward to speaking with you this afternoon.

Kimberly Jones, JD, CAE

President

Council for Opportunity in Education

Washington, DC

kimberly.jones@coenet.org mailto:kimberly.jones@coenet.org

202.347.7430 (office)

202.489.6745 (mobile)

www.coenet.org http://www.coenet.org/

https://coenet.org/annual-conference/
<Outlook-geyndlmb.png>

Thank you for alerting us, Yara. Congratulations to all the June 1 UB programs who have received their GANs today, amid such potentially serious implications for the TRIO community. Sarah On May 30, 2025, at 12:51 PM, Yara Zoccarato <zoccaratoy@wcsu.edu> wrote: CAUTION: EXTERNAL SENDER Dear NEAO State Leaders, I’m reaching out to encourage your participation in an important call this evening, Friday, May 30 at 5:00pm, regarding recent developments affecting TRIO programs, particularly Upward Bound. Earlier today, the Council for Opportunity in Education (COE) shared that while many Upward Bound programs have received their 2025–2026 Grant Award Notices, a small number have instead received notices of grant non-renewal. These notices cite concerns related to federal civil rights law and alignment with Department of Education policies. Although details are still emerging, COE leadership believes this may impact other TRIO projects as well. To help us stay informed and prepared, COE will host a special briefing today for TRIO leaders, state presidents, and supporters of college access programs. Your voice and awareness are important, and I encourage you or a member of your team to attend: Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89796246716?pwd=ygQYIZ0KWExj2acwJMeiZogOuFX9vh.1&from=addon Meeting ID: 897 9624 6716 Passcode: 851868 A broader government relations meeting is also scheduled for Wednesday, June 4, with details to follow. As someone who has seen firsthand the positive impact TRIO programs have on students in our region, I believe it is vital that we remain engaged and informed during this time. Warm regards, Yara Zoccarato NEOA President – Elect 203-837-9399 https://www.neoaonline.org/index.php <image001.png> Falo Portugues; Hablo Español Please be cautious This email was sent from outside of your organization ________________________________ Hello COE Board Members and Special Committee Members: Like many of you, we have begun to learn of many June 1 Upward Bound projects that have received their 2025-2026 Grant Award Notices at FY24 funding levels. However, we have also learned of at least two Upward Bound projects that have received grant cancellation notices because the grants "violate the letter or purpose of Federal civil rights law; conflict with the Department’s policy of prioritizing merit, fairness, and excellence in education; undermine the well-being of the students these programs are intended to help; or constitute an inappropriate use of federal funds." It is our best information that similar such notices will be distributed to other grantees across all TRIO programs. COE will host a general community-wide government relations meeting next week on Wednesday, June 4 at 5:00 p.m. Eastern. (Registration information is forthcoming.) In the meantime, COE leadership will host a special call for you (and include our state/chapter presidents) so that you will have the latest information at hand as you interact with your membership. Please find the dial-in information below: Friday, May 30, 2025 5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. (Eastern) Kimberly Jones is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting. Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89796246716?pwd=ygQYIZ0KWExj2acwJMeiZogOuFX9vh.1&from=addon Meeting ID: 897 9624 6716 Passcode: 851868 We look forward to speaking with you this afternoon. Kimberly Jones, JD, CAE President Council for Opportunity in Education Washington, DC kimberly.jones@coenet.org<mailto:kimberly.jones@coenet.org> 202.347.7430 (office) 202.489.6745 (mobile) www.coenet.org<http://www.coenet.org/> <https://coenet.org/annual-conference/> <Outlook-geyndlmb.png>

YZ

Yara Zoccarato

Fri, May 30, 2025 8:12 PM

Hello NEOA,

Thank you to those of you who reached out regarding the message sent earlier about today’s call on developments affecting Upward Bound and other TRIO programs.

I want to clarify that the initial email was intended specifically for current state and regional TRIO leadership as preparation for a briefing hosted by COE this evening. If you are not currently serving in a state or regional leadership role, there’s no need to join this particular call.

That said, I know how important this issue is to all of us. We are staying closely connected with COE and will follow up with the full NEOA membership as soon as more information becomes available and next steps become clearer.

Please rest assured that we are actively engaged in these discussions and will continue to keep you informed and supported as we learn more.

In the meantime, thank you for your continued dedication to the students and communities we serve.

Warmly,
Yara Zoccarato
NEOA President – Elect
203-837-9399
https://www.neoaonline.org/index.php
[NEOA Logo]
Falo Portugues; Hablo Español

From: Yara Zoccarato via NEOA neoa@lists.neoaonline.org
Sent: Friday, May 30, 2025 12:52 PM
To: Nina Vazquez-Rosa nvazquezrosa@wesleyan.edu; Hidalgo, Fiorela fiorela.hidalgo@uconn.edu; michelle.richards@maine.edu; Ginny Ward via NEOA neoa@lists.neoaonline.org; Naomi.Brown-Jones@umb.edu; joshua.gagnon@unh.edu; melissa.goyait@unh.edu; mtavarez10@ccri.edu; scruz@ccri.edu; bertolini@vsac.org; michele.feiner@vermontstate.edu
Cc: sarah.morrell@umb.edu; Lindsay Carpenter lindsay.carpenter@lyndoninstitute.org; Kevin Linton klinton@salemstate.edu; Arielle Derival-Joseph aderival@bu.edu
Subject: [NEOA] Important: TRIO Program Briefing Tonight at 5PM ET
Importance: High

Please be cautious
This email was sent from outside of your organization

Dear NEAO State Leaders,

I’m reaching out to encourage your participation in an important call this evening, Friday, May 30 at 5:00pm, regarding recent developments affecting TRIO programs, particularly Upward Bound.

Earlier today, the Council for Opportunity in Education (COE) shared that while many Upward Bound programs have received their 2025–2026 Grant Award Notices, a small number have instead received notices of grant non-renewal. These notices cite concerns related to federal civil rights law and alignment with Department of Education policies. Although details are still emerging, COE leadership believes this may impact other TRIO projects as well.

To help us stay informed and prepared, COE will host a special briefing today for TRIO leaders, state presidents, and supporters of college access programs. Your voice and awareness are important, and I encourage you or a member of your team to attend:

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89796246716?pwd=ygQYIZ0KWExj2acwJMeiZogOuFX9vh.1&from=addon

Meeting ID: 897 9624 6716
Passcode: 851868

A broader government relations meeting is also scheduled for Wednesday, June 4, with details to follow.

As someone who has seen firsthand the positive impact TRIO programs have on students in our region, I believe it is vital that we remain engaged and informed during this time.

Warm regards,
Yara Zoccarato
NEOA President – Elect
203-837-9399
https://www.neoaonline.org/index.php
[NEOA Logo]
Falo Portugues; Hablo Español

Please be cautious
This email was sent from outside of your organization

Hello COE Board Members and Special Committee Members:

Like many of you, we have begun to learn of many June 1 Upward Bound projects that have received their 2025-2026 Grant Award Notices at FY24 funding levels. However, we have also learned of at least two Upward Bound projects that have received grant cancellation notices because the grants "violate the letter or purpose of Federal civil rights law; conflict with the Department’s policy of prioritizing merit, fairness, and excellence in education; undermine the well-being of the students these programs are intended to help; or constitute an inappropriate use of federal funds."

It is our best information that similar such notices will be distributed to other grantees across all TRIO programs.

COE will host a general community-wide government relations meeting next week on Wednesday, June 4 at 5:00 p.m. Eastern. (Registration information is forthcoming.) In the meantime, COE leadership will host a special call for you (and include our state/chapter presidents) so that you will have the latest information at hand as you interact with your membership.

Please find the dial-in information below:

Friday, May 30, 2025
5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. (Eastern)

Kimberly Jones is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89796246716?pwd=ygQYIZ0KWExj2acwJMeiZogOuFX9vh.1&from=addon

Meeting ID: 897 9624 6716
Passcode: 851868

We look forward to speaking with you this afternoon.

Kimberly Jones, JD, CAE

President

Council for Opportunity in Education

Washington, DC

kimberly.jones@coenet.org mailto:kimberly.jones@coenet.org

202.347.7430 (office)

202.489.6745 (mobile)

www.coenet.org http://www.coenet.org/

[cid:image002.png@01DBD17C.A440C660]https://coenet.org/annual-conference/

Hello NEOA, Thank you to those of you who reached out regarding the message sent earlier about today’s call on developments affecting Upward Bound and other TRIO programs. I want to clarify that the initial email was intended specifically for current state and regional TRIO leadership as preparation for a briefing hosted by COE this evening. If you are not currently serving in a state or regional leadership role, there’s no need to join this particular call. That said, I know how important this issue is to all of us. We are staying closely connected with COE and will follow up with the full NEOA membership as soon as more information becomes available and next steps become clearer. Please rest assured that we are actively engaged in these discussions and will continue to keep you informed and supported as we learn more. In the meantime, thank you for your continued dedication to the students and communities we serve. Warmly, Yara Zoccarato NEOA President – Elect 203-837-9399 https://www.neoaonline.org/index.php [NEOA Logo] Falo Portugues; Hablo Español From: Yara Zoccarato via NEOA <neoa@lists.neoaonline.org> Sent: Friday, May 30, 2025 12:52 PM To: Nina Vazquez-Rosa <nvazquezrosa@wesleyan.edu>; Hidalgo, Fiorela <fiorela.hidalgo@uconn.edu>; michelle.richards@maine.edu; Ginny Ward via NEOA <neoa@lists.neoaonline.org>; Naomi.Brown-Jones@umb.edu; joshua.gagnon@unh.edu; melissa.goyait@unh.edu; mtavarez10@ccri.edu; scruz@ccri.edu; bertolini@vsac.org; michele.feiner@vermontstate.edu Cc: sarah.morrell@umb.edu; Lindsay Carpenter <lindsay.carpenter@lyndoninstitute.org>; Kevin Linton <klinton@salemstate.edu>; Arielle Derival-Joseph <aderival@bu.edu> Subject: [NEOA] Important: TRIO Program Briefing Tonight at 5PM ET Importance: High Please be cautious This email was sent from outside of your organization ________________________________ Dear NEAO State Leaders, I’m reaching out to encourage your participation in an important call this evening, Friday, May 30 at 5:00pm, regarding recent developments affecting TRIO programs, particularly Upward Bound. Earlier today, the Council for Opportunity in Education (COE) shared that while many Upward Bound programs have received their 2025–2026 Grant Award Notices, a small number have instead received notices of grant non-renewal. These notices cite concerns related to federal civil rights law and alignment with Department of Education policies. Although details are still emerging, COE leadership believes this may impact other TRIO projects as well. To help us stay informed and prepared, COE will host a special briefing today for TRIO leaders, state presidents, and supporters of college access programs. Your voice and awareness are important, and I encourage you or a member of your team to attend: Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89796246716?pwd=ygQYIZ0KWExj2acwJMeiZogOuFX9vh.1&from=addon Meeting ID: 897 9624 6716 Passcode: 851868 A broader government relations meeting is also scheduled for Wednesday, June 4, with details to follow. As someone who has seen firsthand the positive impact TRIO programs have on students in our region, I believe it is vital that we remain engaged and informed during this time. Warm regards, Yara Zoccarato NEOA President – Elect 203-837-9399 https://www.neoaonline.org/index.php [NEOA Logo] Falo Portugues; Hablo Español Please be cautious This email was sent from outside of your organization ________________________________ Hello COE Board Members and Special Committee Members: Like many of you, we have begun to learn of many June 1 Upward Bound projects that have received their 2025-2026 Grant Award Notices at FY24 funding levels. However, we have also learned of at least two Upward Bound projects that have received grant cancellation notices because the grants "violate the letter or purpose of Federal civil rights law; conflict with the Department’s policy of prioritizing merit, fairness, and excellence in education; undermine the well-being of the students these programs are intended to help; or constitute an inappropriate use of federal funds." It is our best information that similar such notices will be distributed to other grantees across all TRIO programs. COE will host a general community-wide government relations meeting next week on Wednesday, June 4 at 5:00 p.m. Eastern. (Registration information is forthcoming.) In the meantime, COE leadership will host a special call for you (and include our state/chapter presidents) so that you will have the latest information at hand as you interact with your membership. Please find the dial-in information below: Friday, May 30, 2025 5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. (Eastern) Kimberly Jones is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting. Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89796246716?pwd=ygQYIZ0KWExj2acwJMeiZogOuFX9vh.1&from=addon Meeting ID: 897 9624 6716 Passcode: 851868 We look forward to speaking with you this afternoon. Kimberly Jones, JD, CAE President Council for Opportunity in Education Washington, DC kimberly.jones@coenet.org<mailto:kimberly.jones@coenet.org> 202.347.7430 (office) 202.489.6745 (mobile) www.coenet.org<http://www.coenet.org/> [cid:image002.png@01DBD17C.A440C660]<https://coenet.org/annual-conference/>

RP

Robert Pote

Fri, May 30, 2025 8:26 PM

Dear Yara,

Thank you for keeping us updated and providing leadership for our region. We appreciate the clarification regarding the call and your commitment to keeping everyone informed and supported during these discussions.

Thank you all for continuing to support the students in which we all service.

Warm regards,

Rob

Get Outlook for iOShttps://aka.ms/o0ukef

From: Yara Zoccarato via NEOA neoa@lists.neoaonline.org
Sent: Friday, May 30, 2025 4:12:36 PM
To: neoa@lists.neoaonline.org neoa@lists.neoaonline.org
Subject: [NEOA] Clarification on Today's COE Briefing – For State & Regional Leadership Only

Please be cautious
This email was sent from outside of your organization

Hello NEOA,

Thank you to those of you who reached out regarding the message sent earlier about today’s call on developments affecting Upward Bound and other TRIO programs.

I want to clarify that the initial email was intended specifically for current state and regional TRIO leadership as preparation for a briefing hosted by COE this evening. If you are not currently serving in a state or regional leadership role, there’s no need to join this particular call.

That said, I know how important this issue is to all of us. We are staying closely connected with COE and will follow up with the full NEOA membership as soon as more information becomes available and next steps become clearer.

Please rest assured that we are actively engaged in these discussions and will continue to keep you informed and supported as we learn more.

In the meantime, thank you for your continued dedication to the students and communities we serve.

Warmly,

Yara Zoccarato

NEOA President – Elect

203-837-9399

https://www.neoaonline.org/index.php

[NEOA Logo]

Falo Portugues; Hablo Español

From: Yara Zoccarato via NEOA neoa@lists.neoaonline.org
Sent: Friday, May 30, 2025 12:52 PM
To: Nina Vazquez-Rosa nvazquezrosa@wesleyan.edu; Hidalgo, Fiorela fiorela.hidalgo@uconn.edu; michelle.richards@maine.edu; Ginny Ward via NEOA neoa@lists.neoaonline.org; Naomi.Brown-Jones@umb.edu; joshua.gagnon@unh.edu; melissa.goyait@unh.edu; mtavarez10@ccri.edu; scruz@ccri.edu; bertolini@vsac.org; michele.feiner@vermontstate.edu
Cc: sarah.morrell@umb.edu; Lindsay Carpenter lindsay.carpenter@lyndoninstitute.org; Kevin Linton klinton@salemstate.edu; Arielle Derival-Joseph aderival@bu.edu
Subject: [NEOA] Important: TRIO Program Briefing Tonight at 5PM ET
Importance: High

Please be cautious

This email was sent from outside of your organization

Dear NEAO State Leaders,

I’m reaching out to encourage your participation in an important call this evening, Friday, May 30 at 5:00pm, regarding recent developments affecting TRIO programs, particularly Upward Bound.

Earlier today, the Council for Opportunity in Education (COE) shared that while many Upward Bound programs have received their 2025–2026 Grant Award Notices, a small number have instead received notices of grant non-renewal. These notices cite concerns related to federal civil rights law and alignment with Department of Education policies. Although details are still emerging, COE leadership believes this may impact other TRIO projects as well.

To help us stay informed and prepared, COE will host a special briefing today for TRIO leaders, state presidents, and supporters of college access programs. Your voice and awareness are important, and I encourage you or a member of your team to attend:

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89796246716?pwd=ygQYIZ0KWExj2acwJMeiZogOuFX9vh.1&from=addon

Meeting ID: 897 9624 6716
Passcode: 851868

A broader government relations meeting is also scheduled for Wednesday, June 4, with details to follow.

As someone who has seen firsthand the positive impact TRIO programs have on students in our region, I believe it is vital that we remain engaged and informed during this time.

Warm regards,

Yara Zoccarato

NEOA President – Elect

203-837-9399

https://www.neoaonline.org/index.php

[NEOA Logo]

Falo Portugues; Hablo Español

Please be cautious

This email was sent from outside of your organization

Hello COE Board Members and Special Committee Members:

Like many of you, we have begun to learn of many June 1 Upward Bound projects that have received their 2025-2026 Grant Award Notices at FY24 funding levels. However, we have also learned of at least two Upward Bound projects that have received grant cancellation notices because the grants "violate the letter or purpose of Federal civil rights law; conflict with the Department’s policy of prioritizing merit, fairness, and excellence in education; undermine the well-being of the students these programs are intended to help; or constitute an inappropriate use of federal funds."

It is our best information that similar such notices will be distributed to other grantees across all TRIO programs.

COE will host a general community-wide government relations meeting next week on Wednesday, June 4 at 5:00 p.m. Eastern. (Registration information is forthcoming.) In the meantime, COE leadership will host a special call for you (and include our state/chapter presidents) so that you will have the latest information at hand as you interact with your membership.

Please find the dial-in information below:

Friday, May 30, 2025

5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. (Eastern)

Kimberly Jones is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89796246716?pwd=ygQYIZ0KWExj2acwJMeiZogOuFX9vh.1&from=addon

Meeting ID: 897 9624 6716
Passcode: 851868

We look forward to speaking with you this afternoon.

Kimberly Jones, JD, CAE

President

Council for Opportunity in Education

Washington, DC

kimberly.jones@coenet.org mailto:kimberly.jones@coenet.org

202.347.7430 (office)

202.489.6745 (mobile)

www.coenet.org http://www.coenet.org/

[cid:image002.png@01DBD17C.A440C660]https://coenet.org/annual-conference/

Dear Yara, Thank you for keeping us updated and providing leadership for our region. We appreciate the clarification regarding the call and your commitment to keeping everyone informed and supported during these discussions. Thank you all for continuing to support the students in which we all service. Warm regards, Rob Get Outlook for iOS<https://aka.ms/o0ukef> ________________________________ From: Yara Zoccarato via NEOA <neoa@lists.neoaonline.org> Sent: Friday, May 30, 2025 4:12:36 PM To: neoa@lists.neoaonline.org <neoa@lists.neoaonline.org> Subject: [NEOA] Clarification on Today's COE Briefing – For State & Regional Leadership Only Please be cautious This email was sent from outside of your organization ________________________________ Hello NEOA, Thank you to those of you who reached out regarding the message sent earlier about today’s call on developments affecting Upward Bound and other TRIO programs. I want to clarify that the initial email was intended specifically for current state and regional TRIO leadership as preparation for a briefing hosted by COE this evening. If you are not currently serving in a state or regional leadership role, there’s no need to join this particular call. That said, I know how important this issue is to all of us. We are staying closely connected with COE and will follow up with the full NEOA membership as soon as more information becomes available and next steps become clearer. Please rest assured that we are actively engaged in these discussions and will continue to keep you informed and supported as we learn more. In the meantime, thank you for your continued dedication to the students and communities we serve. Warmly, Yara Zoccarato NEOA President – Elect 203-837-9399 https://www.neoaonline.org/index.php [NEOA Logo] Falo Portugues; Hablo Español From: Yara Zoccarato via NEOA <neoa@lists.neoaonline.org> Sent: Friday, May 30, 2025 12:52 PM To: Nina Vazquez-Rosa <nvazquezrosa@wesleyan.edu>; Hidalgo, Fiorela <fiorela.hidalgo@uconn.edu>; michelle.richards@maine.edu; Ginny Ward via NEOA <neoa@lists.neoaonline.org>; Naomi.Brown-Jones@umb.edu; joshua.gagnon@unh.edu; melissa.goyait@unh.edu; mtavarez10@ccri.edu; scruz@ccri.edu; bertolini@vsac.org; michele.feiner@vermontstate.edu Cc: sarah.morrell@umb.edu; Lindsay Carpenter <lindsay.carpenter@lyndoninstitute.org>; Kevin Linton <klinton@salemstate.edu>; Arielle Derival-Joseph <aderival@bu.edu> Subject: [NEOA] Important: TRIO Program Briefing Tonight at 5PM ET Importance: High Please be cautious This email was sent from outside of your organization ________________________________ Dear NEAO State Leaders, I’m reaching out to encourage your participation in an important call this evening, Friday, May 30 at 5:00pm, regarding recent developments affecting TRIO programs, particularly Upward Bound. Earlier today, the Council for Opportunity in Education (COE) shared that while many Upward Bound programs have received their 2025–2026 Grant Award Notices, a small number have instead received notices of grant non-renewal. These notices cite concerns related to federal civil rights law and alignment with Department of Education policies. Although details are still emerging, COE leadership believes this may impact other TRIO projects as well. To help us stay informed and prepared, COE will host a special briefing today for TRIO leaders, state presidents, and supporters of college access programs. Your voice and awareness are important, and I encourage you or a member of your team to attend: Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89796246716?pwd=ygQYIZ0KWExj2acwJMeiZogOuFX9vh.1&from=addon Meeting ID: 897 9624 6716 Passcode: 851868 A broader government relations meeting is also scheduled for Wednesday, June 4, with details to follow. As someone who has seen firsthand the positive impact TRIO programs have on students in our region, I believe it is vital that we remain engaged and informed during this time. Warm regards, Yara Zoccarato NEOA President – Elect 203-837-9399 https://www.neoaonline.org/index.php [NEOA Logo] Falo Portugues; Hablo Español Please be cautious This email was sent from outside of your organization ________________________________ Hello COE Board Members and Special Committee Members: Like many of you, we have begun to learn of many June 1 Upward Bound projects that have received their 2025-2026 Grant Award Notices at FY24 funding levels. However, we have also learned of at least two Upward Bound projects that have received grant cancellation notices because the grants "violate the letter or purpose of Federal civil rights law; conflict with the Department’s policy of prioritizing merit, fairness, and excellence in education; undermine the well-being of the students these programs are intended to help; or constitute an inappropriate use of federal funds." It is our best information that similar such notices will be distributed to other grantees across all TRIO programs. COE will host a general community-wide government relations meeting next week on Wednesday, June 4 at 5:00 p.m. Eastern. (Registration information is forthcoming.) In the meantime, COE leadership will host a special call for you (and include our state/chapter presidents) so that you will have the latest information at hand as you interact with your membership. Please find the dial-in information below: Friday, May 30, 2025 5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. (Eastern) Kimberly Jones is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting. Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89796246716?pwd=ygQYIZ0KWExj2acwJMeiZogOuFX9vh.1&from=addon Meeting ID: 897 9624 6716 Passcode: 851868 We look forward to speaking with you this afternoon. Kimberly Jones, JD, CAE President Council for Opportunity in Education Washington, DC kimberly.jones@coenet.org<mailto:kimberly.jones@coenet.org> 202.347.7430 (office) 202.489.6745 (mobile) www.coenet.org<http://www.coenet.org/> [cid:image002.png@01DBD17C.A440C660]<https://coenet.org/annual-conference/>