About the Educational Opportunity Association

The Educational Opportunity Association (EOA) is a recognized 501(c)3 non-profit consortium of professionals with the specific purpose of leveling the playing field of educational opportunity for first-generation, low-income, underrepresented, disabled students and veterans. EOA is made up of 8 chapter associations in the midwest: Illinois TRIO, Indiana TRIO, Iowa TRIO, Michigan College Access Program Personnel, Minnesota TRIO, Missouri-Kansas-Nebraska (MOKANE), Ohio TRIO, and Wisconsin Association of Educational Opportunity Program Personnel. (See Board/Chapter Contact Information page for more information.)

EOA is the representative body of those persons who have an active interest or who are professionally involved in broadening accessibility to and success in formal postsecondary education. This includes many colleges, universities, and agencies that host educational opportunity programs, including TRIO programs, within the ten states in the Midwest. Formally established in 1975, EOA (formerly known as the Mid-America Association of Educational Opportunity Program Personnel - MAEOPP) represents professional educators in more than 615 different programs throughout the Midwest and reaches more than 165,532 students.

Our Members

EOA has a membership base of approximately 950 members in the ten state region and is arguably the largest in the nation. Members are persons involved in the work of college access and success, are working in roles where their job responsibilities support TRIO or TRIO eligible students, or professionals who support the work of college access and success. Click Here to Join!

What is TRIO?

The Federal TRIO Programs (TRIO) are federal outreach and student services programs designed to identify and provide services for individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds. TRIO includes eight programs targeted to serve and assist low-income individuals, first-generation college students, and individuals with disabilities to progress through the academic pipeline from middle school to post-baccalaureate programs. TRIO programs provide academic tutoring, personal counseling, mentoring, financial guidance, and other supports necessary for educational access and retention. Learn more about the TRIO programs by visiting the national Council for Opportunity in Education (COE).

EOA Affiliations

EOA is a member organization of the internationally recognized Council for Opportunity in Education (COE). There are ten affiliate associations of the Council for Opportunity in Education: AEEE, ASPIRE, CAEOP, EOA, MEAEOPP, NAEOP, NEOA, SAEOPP, SWASAP, and WESTOP.

History of EOA Past-Presidents

The Association has had strong leadership since 1974. Click here for a roster of EOA Past Presidents.