Why Join WAEOPP?

As a member of the WAEOPP chapter, you are also a member of the Educational Opportunity Association (EOA) region. EOA has over 1,000 members in the ten-state region and is arguably the largest in the nation. Members are persons involved in the work of college access and success, are working in roles where their job responsibilities support TRIO or TRIO-eligible students, or professionals who support the work of college access and success.

Professional Development and Networking: members can attend the annual conference, Chapter conferences, webinars, and drive-ins.

Members Involved in Leadership & Engagement (MILE) & Emerging Leaders Institute (ELI): these competitive leadership programs help members enhance their leadership skills.
Scholarships: all members are encouraged to help their students apply for WAEOPP & EOA Foundation scholarships. Last year, WAEOPP awarded $11,000 to Wisconsin students, and EOAF awarded more than $30,000 to our students in our region.

Membership Benefits

Research: EOA houses the Best Practices Clearinghouse which provides information on promising and best practices to improve the success of low-income, first-generation, and historically underrepresented students.

Advocacy: With the help of the Council for Opportunity in Education (COE), most of WAEOPP and EOA's Board of Directors advocate for underrepresented students annually in Washington, DC. Some funding may be available to help members and their alumni attend COE's Policy Seminar each March.

Join now

Team Model

How Our Team Structure Works

WAEOPP organizes its work through a team-based structure, meaning that instead of everyone doing everything, members choose a team based on their interests, skills, or areas they want to grow in. Each team focuses on a different set of projects that support WAEOPP’s mission and help keep our organization moving forward.

By joining a team, you’re able to contribute in a manageable, meaningful way—whether that’s helping plan the annual conference, supporting professional development, working on legislation and advocacy, or strengthening communication and outreach. These are the teams that make up WAEOPP:

Operational Operations Team: Led by Chelsea Burton

Legal Concerns and Constitutional Issues: This part of the team manages revisions to the Constitution and advises the Board on resolutions and other constitutional matters. The Parliamentarian serves on this panel.
Research & Evaluation: This project leads research and evaluation that support the Chapter’s goals. They develop evaluation models, gather data on students and TRIO/EOP programs, and help assess conferences and trainings. They also work on priorities set by the Board. Email: waeopp-evaluation@eoa.org
Special Concerns & Affiliations: This project connects the Chapter with partner organizations that share WAEOPP’s goals. It is led by a Board member and includes the Immediate Past President. One representative serves at the Association level. Email: waeopp@eoa.org
Strategic Planning & Development: This initiative reviews the Chapter’s current conditions and recommends long-term strategic directions in coordination with the Board. Email: waeopp-evaluation@eoa.org

Foundation Team: Led by Vacant

Membership and Certification: This project promotes membership, determines eligibility, and certifies who can vote. They also monitor and count votes. The President-Elect serves on this team at both the Chapter and Association levels. Email: wisconsin-president-elect@eoa.org
Finance: This initiative monitors the Chapter’s financial activity and recommends an annual budget. Members include the President, Treasurer, and President-Elect. Email: waeopp-finance@eoa.org
COE Fair Share:
Scholarship: This group shares scholarship information, reviews nominations, and selects finalists. One member represents the Chapter at the Association level. Email: waeopp-scholarship@eoa.org
Nominations & Elections: This group of members gathers nominations for the Board and manages elections by mail or digital systems. All Chapter Presidents and Presidents-Elect must be elected during the period between Annual Meetings. Email: waeopp-nominations@eoa.org

Outreach and Communication Team: Led by Jessi Mularky

Legislation: This group of people tracks laws and policies affecting TRIO/EOP programs. They conduct research, prepare position statements, call members to action, and share important updates. One member represents the Chapter at the EOA level. Email: waeopp-leg-edu@eoa.org
Public Relations and Communications: The tasks for this project are to promote Chapter/Association goals, events, and opportunities. They work with the Technology group to share information through social media and help market with design work. Email: waeopp.public-relations@eoa.org
Achievers/Alumni: The main responsibility of this project is to select recipients for the TRIO Achievers Award and maintain a database of Wisconsin TRIO alumni. Email:
Technology: This group of people manages the Chapter’s technology systems, website, and online tools. They ensure access to publications, updates, and event information. Email: waeopp-technology@eoa.org

Education and Development Team: Led by Faith Pawelski

Professional Development: This task develops professional development opportunities and organizes the Spring Conference. The President, Treasurer, and Secretary are automatic members. One representative serves at the EOA level. Email: waeopp-profdev@eoa.org or Annual Conference Email: waeoppconference@eoa.org
McNair/SSS Annual Retreat: The main responsibility of this project is to organize a graduate-school training retreat for McNair and SSS participants, offering workshops, networking, and research-sharing opportunities. Email:
Emerging Leaders Institute (ELI): The ELI program is an innovative program designed by EOA leaders to strengthen the association by developing potential leaders.
Members Involved in Leadership and Engagement (MILE): The MILE program is designed for WAEOPP members interested in learning about TRIO and association history. Our newer professionals in TRIO or any member looking to get more involved within the WAEOPP Chapter. MILE will help participants expand their leadership skills, network, and build community.