Championing Opportunity: Our Annual Capitol Hill Advocacy
Each year, the Wisconsin Association of Educational Opportunity Program Personnel (WAEOPP) leads a delegation of TRIO Professionals and Alumni to Washington, D.C. This annual mission is critical: to advocate directly to Congress for the continuation and expansion of federal funding for our vital TRIO programs.
We empower our members to be the most effective voices for college access and success in our state.
The Advocacy Process
The annual trip is strategically structured to maximize our impact on Capitol Hill:
Professional Preparation: Our delegation attends the National Council for Opportunity in Education (COE) Policy Seminar. This intensive seminar provides targeted professional development and prepares us for productive legislative meetings.
Congressional Engagement: We meet one-on-one with Wisconsin's Congressional Representatives and their staff to present our collective impact and legislative goals.
Data-Driven Advocacy: We equip every elected official with a comprehensive Factbook that details program success, student data, and the specific economic benefits of TRIO programs within their district.
Take Action: Your Voice Matters
Your involvement—whether through sharing data, telling your story, or joining the delegation—is essential to secure future funding.
Past Factbooks: See the powerful, district-specific data we present to Congress to demonstrate TRIO's impact. [View Past Factbooks]
Share Your StoryHelp us build a compelling case. Submit your personal student success stories to be highlighted in the next Factbook and on WAEOPP's social media.[Submit Your Story Here]
State Initiative
Wisconsin was one of eight states selected by COE to participate in a State Pilot Initiative in 2022 to accelerate the work with our state education leaders and policymakers in order to increase TRIO’s sphere of influence and expand programs and services for first-generation low-income students in Wisconsin.
WAEOPP Government Relations
Stay informed. Stay engaged. Stay active.
The WAEOPP Government Relations page is your go-to resource for legislative updates, action alerts, and advocacy tools that support TRIO and other educational opportunity programs. As a part of the Wisconsin Association of Educational Opportunity Program Personnel (WAEOPP), this platform empowers members and allies to take action on the state and federal policies that impact the students we serve.
Whether you're looking to contact your elected officials, share impactful stories, or stay updated on key issues—this is your hub for advocacy that makes a difference.
Recent History of Legislation & Education in Wisconsin Leading to the State Initiative
2017- The Legislation and Education Committee was a Committee of ONE
2018- WAEOPP supported bringing two alumni (non-employees) to the COE Policy Seminar. The two members helped organize a delegation to the COE Policy Seminar
2019- The L&E Committee is co-chaired at Yale Executive Leadership Institute- a discussion began about the need for a “state-level policy seminar.”
2020- The L&E Committee continues to be co-chaired, and additional members join.
2021- Co-chaired committee with additional members—the committee is up to 4-5 people, began virtual Advocacy Series.
2022- WAEOPP selected for COE Pilot State Initiative. The committee co-chaired and continued to grow to 7 members.
2023- WAEOPP requested to continue with the COE State Pilot Initiative for 2nd year. The committee co-chaired collaborations with other states—Texas, Michigan, Iowa, and Oregon.