Wisconsin Association of Educational Opportunity Program Personnel

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Our Mission:

The mission is to support its members in promoting equal opportunity in education for students from disadvantaged backgrounds including first-generation, limited income, veterans, students with disabilities, and students from racially and ethnically underrepresented populations. Members include professionals from TRIO programs (Upward Bound & Upward Bound Math/Science, Upward Bound-Veterans, Educational Talent Search, Educational Opportunity Centers, Student Support Services, and McNair programs), GEAR UP, Wisconsin Educational Opportunity programs, and other state educational opportunity programs

WAEOPP and the Educational Opportunity Association is a consortium of professionals with the specific purpose of providing equal opportunity in education for disadvantaged populations. Although EOA membership is initiated through WAEOPP membership, there is no individual chapter membership apart from EOA membership.

To this end, the association:

• Addresses the needs and interests of its constituents, including:

1. Current and prospective students of TRIO programs,
2. Alumni of TRIO programs,
3. Staff of TRIO programs,
4. Administrators, faculty, and staff of higher educational institutions,
5. Individuals in public and private agencies and organizations that collaborate with or support the mission of the association.

• Provides professional development, resources, and networking to its members to foster effectiveness in TRIO programs, communication between programs, and education related to changes in legislation and regulations.
  
  Provides opportunities to its student participants, including scholarships and conferences, to lessen the achievement gap in higher education.
  
  Educates and advocates with institutional administration, state leaders, and national leaders on the importance of effective TRIO programming as it relates to increasing the number of disadvantaged students that complete higher education degrees.
  
  Promotes research studies, education, conferences, and other activities that support the mission of the association.

In addition, WAEOPP values ethical efforts to advocate for disadvantaged students’ rights to pursue higher education. The Association is committed to the belief that every person should be afforded the opportunity to prepare for, attend, and graduate from college.  

Your insight and experiences can help strengthen our organization in our fight to make positive strides in the lives of disadvantage students in Wisconsin.

 WAEOPP Membership Benefits:

• Increase your professional network by collaborating with other TRIO professionals
• Access to professional development and grant workshops
• Leadership opportunities in chapter committees
• Stay current on local and national events in TRIO
• Access to membership directory
• Representation at national level through EOA
• Reduced registration fees

Get Involved:

 • Build new leadership skills or use existing talents!
• Ask a current member or check the WAEOPP webpage for committees and officer positions
• Our chapter relies on the input of all members, please get involved!

WAEOPP's Executive Board consists of a President, President-Elect, and Past President, Treasurer, Secretary, and two Members at Large as well as many standing committee chairs.