Advocacy Center

SSS Grant Slate Announcement – July 3, 2025

Date: Thursday, July 3, 2025

This announcement was originally released by the Council for Opportunity in Education (COE) on July 3, 2025.

The U.S. Department of Education has released the first slate of successful applicants for the Student Support Services (SSS) grant competition. Click here to view the slate.

At this time, COE has not yet completed a full analysis of the results. For example, it remains unclear whether applicants with “banked years” are included or if there are any exclusions. However, we wanted to share this information with our community as quickly as possible. Please read below for guidance based on your grant’s status.

If Your Grant IS Listed on the Slate

Congratulations! If your grant appears on the slate, we strongly encourage you to contact your Members of Congress to thank them and highlight how this funding will support low-income, first-generation students. Congressional advocacy made these awards possible. View the congressional contact list.

Once your official notification letter is received, your institution may want to issue a press release. View a sample press release here.

If Your Grant IS NOT Listed on the Slate

Don’t panic. If your grant does not appear on the first slate, several scenarios are possible:

  • Your grant may have “banked” years from prior cycles and could be included in a future slate.
  • Your application may be in the “funding band” — meaning you’ll have the opportunity to request a review.
  • Unfortunately, some applications may be deemed ineligible for appeal or may have been “cancelled” due to conflicts with the current administration’s priorities.

Even though all institutions will receive written status notifications in the coming days, COE recommends reaching out to your congressional offices for additional insight. Contact list available here.

Upcoming Webinars for Applicants

COE will host a series of informational webinars next week for institutions whose grants are in question:

  • Friday, July 11 at 12:00 PM ET – SSS Funding Band Applications
  • Friday, July 11 at 3:00 PM ET – SSS Cancelled Applications
  • Friday, July 11 at 4:00 PM ET – SSS Defunded Applications

This is an understandably challenging time, and COE is here to support you. For questions, please contact:

Sincerely,
Kimberly Jones
President, Council for Opportunity in Education

Advocacy 101: Making Your Voice Heard

At MEOA, we believe every student deserves a fair chance to succeed in higher education, regardless of their income, background, or zip code. Advocacy is how we protect and expand opportunities for first-generation, income-eligible students and students with disabilities across Massachusetts.

When we speak up, policymakers listen. When we show up, change happens.

Advocacy means educating and informing decision-makers about the importance of educational equity. It’s sharing stories, data, and relationships that lead to policy change. Whether you’re a student, staff member, alum, or community partner—you can make a difference.

Ways to Advocate with MEOA

Contact Your Elected Officials

As a constituent, your voice matters. A call, email, or meeting helps protect programs like TRIO. Find Your Legislators → Pro tip: Share a story. Data matters—but real stories drive action.

Tell Your Story

Your story can change a policy. Share it through op-eds, social media, videos, or in meetings with legislators. Want to be featured? Email us at meoaboard@gmail.com. 

Use Our Tools & Resources

Advocacy Checklist





Tip: Keep this page open while you complete these steps!

Advocacy in Action: COE & MEOA Partnership

MEOA proudly partners with the Council for Opportunity in Education (COE) to push for policies and funding that open doors to college for low-income and first-gen students nationwide.

Together we advocate for:

  • Increased federal TRIO funding
  • Stronger support for underrepresented students
  • Expanded access to postsecondary education

Toolkit

Everything you need to prepare for meeting with your representative, including scripts, talking points, and how to schedule meetings.

Visit Resource Page

Massachusetts TRIO Impact Brief

Quick facts on how many students are served by TRIO in MA, and how those programs are funded.

View Brief

Sample Legislative Email

Use this template to personalize your outreach to your State Senator or Representative.

Send Legislative Email

Did You Know?

Click the button to learn a fact about TRIO!

You Don’t Have to Be an Expert—Just Be Passionate

Advocacy is for everyone. All you need is your story, your passion for equity, and the courage to speak up. We’ll show you how.

Frequently Asked Questions

Advocacy is speaking up to influence decisions. In our case, it means urging elected officials to support Educational Opportunity programs like TRIO and GEAR UP in Massachusetts.

MEOA works to raise awareness of college access and equity programs through events, direct outreach to legislators, and empowering students and alumni to tell their stories.

Advocacy Day is an annual opportunity to meet with lawmakers at the Massachusetts State House and share how programs like TRIO have changed your life or the lives of your students.

Let’s raise our voices—together.