Dear NEOA Community, Your President-Elect, Past President and I are currently attending the COE Board meeting, balancing Capitol Hill visits, committee discussions, and emails! While it’s been a busy and energizing time, please know that YOU are always on our minds! I am writing to share a few important updates and reminders regarding advocacy efforts for our TRIO and GEAR UP programs, both of which are currently facing significant threats. TRIO: ADVOCACY ACTION * TRIO Alumni Sign-On Letter * Help us reach our national goal of 10,000 signatures – nationally we’re at 6,399 as of May 16! With 456 signatures from NEOA alumni! Share the letter with alumni, post it on social media, and encourage others to do the same. Let’s show the strength of NEOA! Sign and Share the #TRIOProtect Letter here!<https://fs3.formsite.com/coecoecoecoe/gue9fat7y6/index> * COE Government Relations Community Update * Stay informed by attending COE’s advocacy update on Tuesday, May 20 at 3:00 PM (ET).Sign up Here!<https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_j-d-BS7WQDSXFslD1-xhUg#/registration> GEAR UP: ADD YOUR VOICE * GEAR UP Directors: * Please check your email for instructions on the Dear Colleague Letter, due May 21. * GEAR UP Alumni Letter * The GEAR UP Alumni Association is gathering signatures from GEAR UP college students (18+) and alumni for a national advocacy letter. Let’s push for full GEAR UP funding! Sign the Alumni Letter<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/edpartnerships.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=a0d96cacbd72776b465181daf&id=94c9244634&e=2a75a5e31a__;!!K-Hz7m0Vt54!j-Zim-EFvcRl28Ag2cp1mmb5x_vDiAQteftZsmDFi2d6sa9UHlScn9QE0pZoZp4gz6t0BG0qEmkI_HOu_DFwpmwu7qE2yAsg$>: Signatures will be accepted through May 27, 2025. NEOA ANNOUNCEMENTS * Congressional Hearing – May 21st at 10:00 AM (ET) U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon will testify before the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, HHS, and Education. Use this link for live video of the hearing<https://appropriations.house.gov/schedule/hearings/budget-hearing-us-department-education> * NEOA Membership Town Hall – May 22 at 3:00 PM (ET) Please join us for a virtual Membership Town Hall to discuss your concerns and questions and to share advocacy updates. Mark your calendars and join by registering here<https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/JgDUVBMlRUeGvFh4dnJXWA>: Remember, every name, every story, every message to a legislator moves us one step closer to securing the future of our programs. Let’s lead with strength, purpose, and unity. With strength and unity, Yara Zoccarato President [NEOA Logo] www.neoaonline.org<https://www.neoaonline.org/>