2011 TRIO Policy Call to Action 

Advise the Advisor: Melody Barnes and Education

Melody Barnes, Director of the Domestic Policy Council and one of President Obama’s senior advisors on education policy, is asking for feedback from parents, teachers and students on what’s working in communities and what needs to change.    She is familiar with the TRIO programs as she has met with former Board Chair Deborah Northcross and Dr. Mitchem previously regarding making TRIO a key education priority for President Obama.   

Ms. Barnes is asking for the education community to email her with their experiences in education.     It is important that each of you recruit others and email her regarding the importance of TRIO to the communities you serve.      This campaign for TRIO, similar to the one launched in December with outreach to the White House, is critical in securing support for the TRIO programs.

You can add your voice to the conversation by answering one or all of the following questions at WhiteHouse.gov/Advise by Friday, March 11^th at 5 pm EST.

Here are some suggested topics:

Parents: How has TRIO aided in your child’s education?   How has the program impacted your family and community?

Teachers: President Obama has set a goal of having the highest proportion of college graduates in the world by 2020. How are you preparing your TRIO students for college and career?

Students: In order to compete for the jobs of the 21st century, America ’s students must be prepared with a strong background in reading, math and science along with the critical thinking, problem solving, and creativity needed to succeed in tomorrow’s workforce. How has TRIO prepared you for a career in the 21st century?     

If you have any questions, please contact Heather Valentine at the Council for Opportunity in Education at [log in to unmask]