Hyatt Regency Chicago
Chicago, IL
September 7-10, 2025

PLEASE NOTE: IF YOU ARE REPRESENTING A COMPANY/ORGANIZATION THAT IS SELLING A SERVICE OR PRODUCT, WE WILL NOT BE REVIEWING YOUR PROPOSAL. PLEASE REACH OUT TO OUR ADVANCEMENT TEAM FOR EXHIBITOR INFORMATION at corinne.taylor@coenet.org.

All items marked with an asterisk * require a response. If you submit your proposal without a response to these items, you will be required to return to the form to complete the response(s).

DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION: Presentations must be submitted by Friday, March 28, 2025 at 11:59pm ET.

Description Text

SESSION & DESCRIPTION

COE hosts six strands that are relevant and innovative to college access and success professionals. If you are interested in your session being a part of one of our Strands, indicate this within your session description and by selecting below. Please note, that your session does not have to fit into a Strand to be accepted.

Navigating the Selective College Experience: Navigating the admissions process for highly selective institutions can be daunting for TRIO students. This strand explores strategies to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to access and succeed at top-tier colleges and universities. Sessions will feature insights from admissions officers, TRIO professionals, and alumni who have successfully transitioned, covering topics like application best practices, financial aid, and fostering a competitive academic profile.

Opening Doors, Changing Lives: At the heart of TRIO’s mission is the ability to create pathways to economic mobility, educational equity, and personal transformation. This strand showcases impact-driven programs, policies, and success stories that highlight the life-changing opportunities TRIO provides. Sessions will focus on student-centered approaches, innovative programming, and advocacy efforts that continue to break barriers for first-generation, low-income, and underrepresented students.

Start Smart, Kickstart Your Journey as a TRIO Director: New to TRIO leadership? This strand is designed to help new and aspiring TRIO directors navigate the complexities of program management, compliance, and student success. Gain practical guidance on grant administration, budgeting, and staff development while building a strong professional network. Whether in your first year or looking to refine your leadership approach, these sessions will set you up for success.

Measuring What Matters: Data-driven decision-making is essential for program sustainability and student success. This strand focuses on assessing and enhancing program impact through effective data collection, evaluation, and reporting. Learn how to use metrics to tell your program’s story, secure funding, and improve student outcomes while exploring innovative assessment tools and best practices in program evaluation and student performance tracking.

Leadership in a Changing Landscape Strand: As higher education evolves, TRIO leaders must adapt to new challenges and opportunities. This strand addresses emerging trends in education, policy shifts, and leadership development strategies for TRIO professionals at all levels. Sessions will cover navigating funding changes, fostering inclusive leadership, and building resilient teams to ensure continued student success.

Creating Global Citizens Strand: In an interconnected world, global experiences and perspectives are more important than ever for student success. This strand explores how TRIO programs can expand access to international education, study abroad opportunities, and global leadership development. Learn how to integrate global experiences into your program, leverage partnerships, and prepare students for an increasingly complex, globalized workforce.

Presentation Title: *

My session would fit in a Strand theme? (please note, it is not mandated it fits into a strand) *

Yes

No

If yes, which one?

Navigating the Selective College Experience Strand

Opening Doors, Changing Lives Strand

Start Smart Strand, Kickstart Your Journey as a TRIO Director

Measuring What Matters Strand

Leadership in a Changing Landscape Strand

Creating Global Citizens Strand

Session Description (75 words or less) to be used in the conference program (if chosen, COE reserves the right to edit the description) *

0/500 characters

Learning Objectives for the Presentation *

Program Format *

How Does the Presentation Relate to the Conference THEME and/or Other Suggested Topics? *

Describe the Conceptual Foundation for the Presentation Content, Including Ways the Presentation is Grounded in Relevant Experience, Research, Appropriate Theory or an Effective Model. *

Are you submitting more than one session? (please note, we will only take up to one session per presenter) *

Yes

No

If yes, please state the title of your other presentation.

PRESENTERS

Please note, at this time, all presenters must be in-person in Washington, DC. We are not offering an opportunity for virtual presentations.

Main Contact for Presentation

Prefix:

First Name: *

Last Name: *

Suffix:

Title: *

Institution/Agency: *

Program (check all that apply): *

City: *

State: *

Zip: *

Cell Phone or Best Number to be Reached: *

E-Mail Address: * 🛈

Regional TRIO Association Affiliation: *

Co-Presenter

Prefix:

First Name:

Last Name:

Suffix:

Title:

Institution/Agency:

Program (check all that apply):

City:

State:

Zip:

Cell Phone or Best Number to be Reached: *

Email:

Regional TRIO Association Affiliation: *

Note: If there are more than two presenters, upload presenters names. You must include for each presenter: Full Name Full Title Institution/Agency State Email Phone

EQUIPMENT REQUEST

Due to high demand, we will offer internet for presenters duiring your presentation.

Presentation Format:

All presentations will last for 75 minutes.

I authorize the Council for Opportunity in Education to record my presentation: *

Yes

No

Room Set-up:

Rooms will be set up theater-style, with a table, lectern for presenters. Presenters are required to stand infront of the podium due to the virtual set-up.

Criteria for Evaluation and Selection:

Proposals will be evaluated on the basis of relevance to the educational opportunity community, clarity, and added value to the audience.

Notification:

Presenters will be notified of proposal acceptance by Friday, May 16, 2025.

All Presenters Must be Paid Conference Registrants by May 30, 2025.

SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS: Proposals must be submitted online by Friday, March 28, 2025. E-MAILED, MAILED, OR FAXED PROPOSALS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.