Why Join WAEOPP?

The Wisconsin Association of Educational Opportunity Program Personnel (WAEOPP) is a professional association dedicated to broadening access to and ensuring success in postsecondary education. WAEOPP brings together individuals committed to supporting students who face barriers related to socioeconomic status, first-generation status, disability, veteran status, and limited educational opportunity.

As a member of WAEOPP, you are also a member of the Educational Opportunity Association (EOA)—one of the largest regional associations in the nation, serving a ten-state region with more than 1,000 professionals dedicated to student success.

Members can connect, learn, and grow through:

  • Annual WAEOPP and EOA conferences

  • Chapter conferences and drive-in workshops

  • Webinars and virtual learning opportunities

These events offer valuable opportunities to build professional networks, share knowledge, and stay current on best practices in the field.

  • WAEOPP and EOA support leadership growth through competitive programs such as:

    • Members Involved in Leadership & Engagement (MILE)

    • Emerging Leaders Institute (ELI)

    These programs are designed to strengthen leadership skills, expand professional capacity, and prepare members for future leadership roles within the organization and beyond.

  • As a benefit of WAEOPP/EOA membership, professionals have the opportunity to nominate deserving students for WAEOPP scholarships. This is a meaningful way to recognize student achievement and support access to higher education for participants in TRIO and Educational Opportunity Programs.

  • Key Dates

    • April 21, 2026: WAEOPP Scholarship nominations open

    • June 19, 2026: Nomination deadline

    • Fall 2026: Scholarship funds distributed to institutions

  • Eligibility & Requirements

    • Nominators must be active WAEOPP/EOA members at the time of the deadline

    • Each program may submit up to two student nominations per scholarship

    • Scholarships typically range from $500–$1,000, supporting students from pre-college through graduate study

  • Get Started

    • Make sure your membership is active and plan ahead to gather required materials before the deadline.

    • To learn more click here!

Membership Benefits

  • Research and Best Practices:

    • Members gain access to EOA’s Best Practices Clearinghouse, a valuable resource featuring promising and proven strategies to improve outcomes for low-income, first-generation, and historically underrepresented students.

  • Advocacy: Make your voice heard at the national level. Members have the opportunity to participate in annual advocacy efforts in Washington, DC through partnership with the Council for Opportunity in Education (COE).

    Funding may be available to attend COE’s Policy Seminar each March.

When you join WAEOPP, you’re not just gaining professional benefits—you’re joining a network committed to changing lives through education.

Together, we advance opportunity through advocacy, leadership, research, and direct support for students.

Join now