AZ Chapter of WESTOP

05/07/2025

Message from COE:
We need to hit EVERY office on Capitol Hill, multiple times, in multiple ways.
1. CALL your House Representative and U.S. Senators and tell them to reject the president's Proposal to eliminate TRIO.
"Hi, I'm a proud TRIO supporter from [City, State]. I'm calling to urge Senator/Representative [Name] to protect and fully fund the Federal TRIO Programs in the FY 26/27 budget. These programs change lives by providing critical access and support for students. Please stand with TRIO!"
2. TELL your House Representative and U.S. Senators to sign the FY 26 House TRIO Appropriations Letters:
-House TRIO letter currently circulating
-Senate TRIO letter to come soon
https://www.govtrack.us/congress/members

04/12/2025

AZ WESTOP Student Leadership Conference 2025. What a fantastic day of learning, connecting and advocating!

03/19/2025

03/03/2025

A tremendous round of applause for this year’s WESTOP Achievers!

02/22/2025

National TRIO Day is HERE, and we want to hear what you're doing. Tag us at so we can share with the region. National TRIO Day is a day to recognize the accomplishments of the Federal TRIO programs and to highlight the needs of disadvantaged students. Let’s share the positive impact of TRIO programs within our communities.

For more info on TRIO Day, visit https://coenet.org/national-trio-day-2/

02/20/2025

Registration is now open! https://tinyurl.com/AzWestopSLC25

02/15/2025

The National Student Leadership Congress gathers TRIO pre-college students to find innovative solutions to today's societal issues.

02/05/2025

Irv L Coin Scholarship Application now open! https://tinyurl.com/irvcoin25

01/11/2025

The recent wildfires raging across Southern California have brought immense hardship to our communities, leaving a path of destruction that has impacted countless lives. Families have been displaced, homes and businesses have been lost, and our colleagues, students, and their loved ones are facing profound challenges in rebuilding their lives.

In moments like these, we are reminded of the resilience, compassion, and unwavering support that define our WESTOP family. Together, we have the power to make a meaningful difference by rallying around those in need.

We know that some of our colleagues, students and alumni have been directly affected by these devastating fires and verified GoFundMe campaigns have been established to provide them with essential support during this critical time. If you feel moved to contribute, below is the link to the GoFundMe Campaigns.

Additionally, to provide immediate support to those impacted, we encourage members to consider contributing to organizations actively involved in relief efforts. Below are a few resources where you can donate or find ways to help:

American Red Cross: Supports families displaced by fires and provides essential emergency services.

Pasadena Humane Society: Assists in rescuing and sheltering animals affected by the fires.

California Fire Foundation: The California Fire Foundation provides critical support to surviving families of fallen firefighters, firefighters, and the communities they serve.

Disaster Relief Donation Page

We will continue to monitor the situation closely. Any additional information or resources we receive will be shared on our social media platforms to keep you updated on how you can continue to help.

Your support, whether through donations or by sharing these resources, can make a significant difference in the lives of those affected. Let us continue to stand together, offering strength and solidarity to our community during this difficult time.

In solidarity,
Dalia and Ramon
WESTOP President/SoCal Chapter President

12/02/2024

Arizona Members, there will be a roundtable tomorrow, Tuesday, 12/3/24 at 4:30 pm PT (5:30 Az time) through WESTOP on advocacy and updates of our programs, as we have heard a lot in the past few weeks the uncertainty that this new administration is pushing for that doesn't look positive for TRIO. I know this is after our work hours, but we are at a critical time so I encourage you to attend.

PROTECTING TRIO
Learn how to Protect TRIO! Make sure register prior and join the roundtable scheduled for December 3, 2024 at 5:30pm via zoom. Register Now! If you have any questions, please reach out to [email protected].
https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZwoc--gpz4qGNG7y64Gqo_YrKFlnvRS_EiJ #/registration

11/09/2024

Mesa Community College celebrated a week of amazing events for their first generation college celebration including a free bagel bar, mural painitng, music, resources, film screening and first gen panel, a living library and their First Generation Walk of Fame!

11/08/2024

Happy First Generation Day!

The term “First Generation College Student” was created by the TRIO community and introduced into federal policy with the passage of the 1981 Higher Education Amendments to the Higher Education Act of 1965. The term refers to college students whose parents/guardians did not earn a bachelor’s degree or higher.

Why celebrate first generation?

November 8th was selected as the date for the Annual National First-Generation College Celebration to honor the anniversary of the signing of the Higher Education Act of 1965. The Higher Education Act (“HEA”) emerged out of President Lyndon B. Johnson’s War on Poverty. Much like other hallmark legislation of that era, such as the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965, HEA was intended to help level a playing field that for too long had been weighed against Americans from minority and low-income backgrounds. In addition to creating federal grants and loan programs to help students finance their educations, the legislation made key investments in institutions of higher education. Additionally, HEA ushered in programs, particularly the Federal TRIO programs, necessary for postsecondary access, retention, and completion for low-income, potential first-generation college graduates.