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OKLAHOMA DIVISION OF STUDENT ASSISTANCE
Walter
O. Mason, often known as “The Father of TRIO,” called for his fellow
program directors to organize state-wide professional associations.
Through his encouragement, a handful of program directors (including Mr.
Mason) established the Oklahoma Division of Student Assistance in 1971,
becoming one of the first states to have a professional organization
for TRIO personnel.
Today, ODSA serves nearly 300 TRIO professionals within the state of Oklahoma and membership continues to grow. Through its annual conference, ODSA continues to promote, develop and improve the educational opportunities for eligible individuals in Oklahoma.
SOUTHWEST ASSOCIATION OF STUDENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS
In an effort to restructure their relationship with Washington officials, regional associations emerged. In 1972 the states of Texas, Oklahoma, Arizona, New Mexico, Louisiana and Arkansas formed the Southwest Association of Student Assistance Programs. Later on, the regional associations were realigned and SWASAP no longer includes the state of Arizona.
Currently serving over 130,000 participants, SWASAP encourages and supports members in their endeavor to serve the national and regional needs of the targeted population by conducting an annual meeting of TRIO members from each participating state.
COUNCIL FOR OPPORTUNITY IN EDUCATION
The Council for Opportunity in Education (COE) is a nonprofit organization, established in 1981, dedicated to furthering the expansion of college opportunities for low-income, first-generation students, and students with disabilities in all 50 states, Washington, D.C., the Pacific Islands, and Puerto Rico. Its membership includes more than 1,000 colleges and agencies. Through its numerous membership services, the Council works in conjunction with colleges, universities, and agencies to help low-income students enter college and graduate. Over a million low-income students and students with disabilities each year receive college access and retention services through our member colleges and agencies.
OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION
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