Better Manage Your Team Through Coaching, Setting Clear Expectations, & Holding People Accountable
Did you know that most supervisors don't get the training they need to be successful? This can be especially challenging when you're put in charge of other folks and need to manage their performance on top of doing all the things on your plate. Join us on August 6th, from 9AM - 12PM (CST) and learn how to get the results you want from your team. We'll be covering the basics of performance management, including using a coaching approach, setting clear expectations, and holding folks accountable. You'll learn practical strategies to integrate them into your daily schedule, so you automatically start improving how you and your team show up.
We'll be using the CliftonStrengths framework to make the most of our time together. If you're not familiar with CliftonStrengths, or it's been awhile since you've used it, please upgrade your registration to the "Strengths Package," which includes a code to take the assessment as well as an extra hour of training that covers the basics of CliftonStrengths from 8AM - 9AM (CST).
Cost is broken down by membership and those who may or may not need access to take the Clifton Strengths assessment:
$75 members (session only)
$100 non-Members (session only)
$95 Members with Clifton Strengths assessment included
$120 for non-Members with Clifton Strengths assessment included
We'd love to see you on August 6th! And remember, this isn't just a great investment for you, it also benefits your team and your students.
Strengths University
and
Beth and Corrina
Professional Development co-chairs
professional-development@eoa.org
Get ready for a one-of-a-kind student leadership experience at one of the most iconic destinations in the country—the Mall of America!
This conference brings together your student leaders for dynamic programming focused on personal growth, academic and career success, and building lasting connections.
Career Development workshops to help you plan your next steps
Hands-on sessions in STEM, Marketing, and Business
College & Graduate School Fairs with reps from top programs
Inspiring keynote speakers sharing real-world advice and leadership insights
Exclusive access to Nickelodeon Universe for some well-earned fun
⭐ And more surprises in store!
Start your Student Leadership Conference weekend with an unforgettable pre-conference session! Choose from two unique, hands-on experiences at the Mall of America that combine fun, exploration, and career insight.
Cost: $30/Person
Friday, September 26th | 6:30 - 8:00 p.m.
Dive into one of the most unique STEM learning experiences, right in the heart of Mall of America! This 90-minute guided tour blends fast-paced, insider knowledge of engineering marvels and sustainability initiatives with hands-on observation and inspiring discussion. You and your students will:
Explore the design and mechanics behind attractions like Nickelodeon Universe®, uncovering what powers the rides and keeps the indoor universe in motion.
Learn about Mall of America’s green efforts including energy efficiency, waste reduction, and using eco-friendly materials support business goals.
This tour equips students with real-world examples of how STEM and sustainability intersect in a massive, complex environment. Participants will be encouraged to think critically about engineering challenges, eco-conscious design, and how they can apply STEM skills to tackle tomorrow’s problems.
Friday, September 26th | 5:45 - 8:45 p.m.
Kick off your conference experience with an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour at SEA LIFE at Mall of America! Go beyond the glass as expert guides take you through the fascinating world of marine animal care at Minnesota’s largest aquarium. Get up close with sharks, sea turtles, and more as you explore how an ocean is created right in the heart of the Midwest.
This tour is paired with a dynamic career development session where students will explore the wide range of job roles at SEA LIFE, the skills needed for each, and the challenges staff face every day. Students will leave inspired to dream big, set goals, and discover how their passions might align with a future in marine science or beyond.
TRIO alumna, Award-winning Hmong-American writer, speaker, and teacher Kao Kalia Yang will deliver our Saturday keynote. Known for her powerful storytelling and advocacy for refugee and immigrant communities, Yang brings a deeply human perspective on leadership, identity, and resilience. Learn more about her work »
Saturday, September 28 - Daniel Jasper
Daniel Jasper is a speaker, storyteller, and guest experience leader with over two decades of experience in the hospitality, tourism, and nonprofit sectors. As a Senior Vice President at Mall of America®, Daniel spent 17 years leading PR, social media, tourism, and community relations for one of the busiest visitor destinations in the world. He helped launch the So Much More podcast, published MOA’s 30th anniversary book, and is writing two business books focused on leadership and guest experience.
Stay Where the Action Is!
Radisson Blu – Connected to the Mall of America
Make the most of your conference experience by staying right where it’s all happening. The Radisson Blu Mall of America is the official hotel for the 2025 EOA Student Leadership Conference—and it’s directly connected to the Mall!
A special room block is available for $199/night for conference attendees, but space is limited—reserve your spot early to lock in your stay.
Online Reservations: Click here to book your room
Phone Reservations: Call 952-314-5116 and ask for the 2025 EOA Student Leadership Conference room block.
The Educational Opportunity Association (EOA) invites dynamic and engaging presenters to submit proposals for breakout sessions at the upcoming Student Leadership Conference. This exciting event will inspire and empower high school and college students through interactive learning, leadership development, and career exploration.
Submit a Proposal by August 1!
On Saturday, September 27 students will attend their choice of breakout sessions designed to engage in one of two areas:
Therefore, we are seeking proposals for engaging, interactive breakout sessions that:
Target Audience: First-generation, low-income, and underrepresented students engaged in TRIO, GEAR UP, and similar college access programs. Sessions should be 45 minutes in length, designed for high school and college-aged students.
We welcome proposals from educators, professionals, graduate students, alumni, and community leaders! Submit your proposal by completing the form here.
The deadline to submit proposals is August 1, 2025. Notification of selected proposals will be made by August 29, 2025. Contact Erika Sterup at mokanne-president-elect@eoa.org with questions.
College Fair Registration
Institutions are invited to participate in the College/Graduate School Fair hosted at the Mall of America on Saturday, September 27, 2025!
This event will bring together over 400 high school and college students from TRIO Programs in the Midwest and across the country! Additionally, the fair will be free and open to the public. With approximately 110,000 people visiting the Mall of America daily, this is a unique opportunity to reach a wide variety of prospective students.
We are inviting undergraduate and graduate programs, to maximize the number of institutions and programs our students can interact with during this exciting event. Student participation in the college fair is incentivized, providing you with an excellent opportunity to connect with engaged and motivated students.
To reserve your space, please complete the registration form and complete payment on the same website by September 8th. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us directly at collegefair@eoa.org.
You can register at a discounted rate of $495 until August 22nd. After this date, registration increases to $600. Your college fair registration fee is helping us to keep student registration costs lower, making this conference accessible to more students.
Sponsorship opportunities are now open for the 2025 EOA Student Leadership Conference. Your generosity helps keep registration fees low for TRIO students and supports a weekend of leadership, STEM, and career exploration.
Show your commitment to student success while gaining visibility across the region.
Sponsorship Packet
Claim Your Sponsor Package
Soiree at the Lake
November 14-16, 2025
Book Your Room: Abbey Hotel
Register for the Annual EOA Conference | Nov 16 - 19
11/14 - Friday: “Welcome & Reflect”
11/15 - Saturday: “Engage & Elevate”
10:00 AM | Registration open for the Soiree
11:00 AM | Pre-Conference Workshop: From Legends to Legacy: Empowering the Next Generation of TRIO Leaders (click above to learn more)
1:00 PM | Official Welcome, State of EOA, & Group Photo 2:00 PM | Living Museum/Legends Hall of Fame Unveiling Venue with TRIO history showcase (photos, videos, memorabilia)
6:30 PM | Cocktail Cash Bar
7:00 PM | Legends Gala (formal attire)
9:00 PM | Dance (Windjammer 2.0)
11/16 - Sunday: “Inspire & Mobilize”
10:00 AM | Breakfast & Closing Remarks ($52 optional in registration)
EOA Annual Conference 2025 Tentative Agenda
Register for Soiree at the Lake | Nov 14 - 16
Grand Geneva Resort & Spa
7036 Grand Geneva Way
Lake Geneva, WI 53147, US
Reserve Room Here
Room block ends on September 23, 2025.
Cancelation Policy:
Request for cancelation must be received by September 6, 2025, to be considered for a 75% cancelation of fees. Cancelation requests received September 7 - October 4, 2025, will be considered for 50% cancelation of fees. Cancelation requests made between October 5 - November 1 receive a 25% refund/cancelation of fees. No cancellation/refund requests will be accepted after November 1, 2025. If registration is not paid by November 9, 2025 registration will automatically be cancelled. Any eligible refunds will be made at the conclusion of the conference and will be processed by December 31, 2025. To provide the conference committee with the most accurate planning numbers, all completed registration forms will be considered as conference attendees and will be responsible for registered payment.
"Educational Opportunity Association (EOA)" is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization.7619 Sheridan Road, PMB 5054, Kenosha, WI 53143
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