Collins Delivers Remarks at NEOA Portland Conference
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Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Susan Collins (R-ME), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, delivered remarks at the New England Educational Opportunity Association (NEOA) conference in Portland. During her remarks, Senator Collins highlighted the importance of TRIO programs and the need for continued support for educational access.
NEOA, an organization of professionals focused on promoting equal educational opportunities in higher education through programs like TRIO, advocates for access to and success in postsecondary education for low-income individuals, first-generation college students, and students with disabilities. The organization has over 300 members throughout the six New England states. TRIO programs provide individualized counseling, advising, and other crucial supports to help ensure that underserved students have equal access to a college education.
Co-Chair of the Congressional TRIO Caucus, I have been a longtime champion of these invaluable programs that help students get the support they need to prepare for, succeed in, and graduate from college,” said Senator Collins. “When we lend a hand to those who have the motivation to pursue higher education but lack the means, they give back to their communities and move our states and our nation forward.”
Senator Collins has been a long-time advocate for educational access, and her efforts have been instrumental in securing record high appropriations for TRIO programs. The fiscal year 2023 Appropriations bill included $1.19B for TRIO programs – a record high. Since the 116th Congress, Senator Collins has been the lead sponsor of the Educational Opportunity and Success Act, which reauthorizes and improves the federal TRIO programs.
During the NEOA conference, Senator Collins’ Legislative Director, Katie Brown, was awarded the Shirley Chisholm Award for her commitment and support of TRIO and Gear Up Programs.
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