The COE (Council on Opportunity in Education) Policy Seminar 2025, held in Washington, DC from March 15–20, was an extraordinary week focused on building leadership and empowering TRiO professionals. The seminar provided in-depth training on maintaining transparency and accountability in TRiO programs, addressing the challenges posed by the current administration, and transforming “fear into fire.” Participants were equipped with the tools necessary to advocate for TRiO, including valuable insights from former education leaders, and were given the opportunity to meet with elected officials on Capitol Hill to demonstrate the effectiveness of TRiO programs.
The week began with a leadership seminar on Sunday, where attendees engaged in discussions about securing resources, networking, and addressing current challenges. Monday’s policy seminar featured conversations with former U.S. Department of Education leaders, as well as breakout sessions covering topics like Veterans Upward Bound and preparing for site visits from The Department of Education.
Tuesday’s legislative conference emphasized the importance of timely action, sharing strategies for telling compelling TRiO stories and engaging with policymakers. Wednesday’s meetings with congressmen and senators on Capitol Hill solidified the case for TRiO, and later in the day, participants took part in a powerful march to raise awareness about the importance of the program.
The week concluded with an inspiring closing ceremony, leaving attendees energized and ready to continue advocating for TRiO. The seminar proved to be an invaluable experience, fostering both personal and professional growth while strengthening the TRiO community’s commitment to serving students in need.
TRiO is a collection of federally funded programs in the United States designed to help students from disadvantaged backgrounds succeed in higher education. The programs provide support services such as academic tutoring, mentoring, financial literacy education, college preparation, and guidance through the college admissions and financial aid processes. TRiO programs primarily serve first-generation college students, low-income individuals, and students with disabilities, aiming to increase their access to higher education and ensure their success once they are enrolled. Notable TRiO programs include Upward Bound, Veterans Upward Bound, Talent Search, Student Support Services, and Educational Opportunity Centers.
As the director of the Veterans Upward Bound Program at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, I oversee services that cater to veterans pursuing post-secondary education across Knox County and 14 surrounding counties. Our program offers refresher courses, tutoring, Veterans Benefits counseling, academic counseling, state aid support, and numerous referral services—all designed to help veterans succeed in their academic journey.
Attending the seminar in Washington, DC was a powerful reminder of the importance of visibility and advocacy for our program. In the past, I hesitated to share our successes, thinking it might come across as boasting. However, I now realize that greater visibility is crucial—it enables us to serve more veterans, forge stronger community partnerships, and gain vital support throughout East Tennessee. Moving forward, I am committed to actively seeking opportunities to share our story, whether through community events, local media, or personal outreach. By consistently telling our story, we can make a tangible impact and ensure that even more veterans know about the resources available to them.
Halle L. Timpson, Principle Investigator and Project Director
Veterans Upwards Bound/Pre-College Program