The current administration is calling for the elimination for the Federal TRIO Programs, which directly impacts PEF, our staff, and most importantly our students, as our flagship College Access Program is a federally funded TRIO program.
TRIO historically has earned strong bipartisan support because it delivers real, measurable results. We know that #TRIOworks. It opens doors for students who might otherwise never see college as an option — empowering low-income, first-generation, and underrepresented youth to access and find success in higher education.
As PEF supporters, friends, partners, and alumni, we ask that you consider standing with us to #ProtectTRIO. We invite you to follow the steps below to contact your elected officials today and tell them to reject this proposal and stand up for the future of our students.
- Click this link to visit Common Cause and enter your address to find your representatives
- Copy and paste the following message to send to your representatives via mail, email, and/or social media:
Dear [Recipient’s Title and Name]:
I am reaching out as a constituent and proud advocate for the Federal TRIO Programs, which serves thousands of students across Philadelphia, and just shy of one million students across the country, by providing academic, financial, and personal support.
Recently, the White House proposed eliminating the TRIO programs in FY26, stating that college access is no longer a barrier for low-income students and that the responsibility for supporting low-income students should rest with institutions of higher education, not the federal government. However, the most recent data from the U.S. Census bureau demonstrates that students from the highest income families are four times more likely to earn college degrees than students from the lowest-income families. Furthermore, not every institution has the resources to absorb the cost of providing such services. Therefore, as a constituent I ask that you reject the Administration’s proposal to eliminate TRIO and work to ensure these vital education programs are funded at the highest possible level in FY26. Thank you again for your support of low-income, first-generation students in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Thank you for your commitment to supporting education and opportunity for all students. I appreciate your attention to this matter and look forward to your support in protecting TRIO programs.
[ Your Full Name ]
- Encourage your networks — professional and personal — to do the same.
You can reference the Council for Opportunity in Education (COE) website for more information and advocacy efforts.
Together, let us ensure TRIO’s legacy endures. We thank you in advance for your continued support of PEF and your efforts to #ProtectTRIO.
