SWASAP - Southwest Association of Student Assistance Programs

10/30/2026

SWASAP was well represented at COE’s Executive Leadership Institute (ELI) at the University of Notre Dame!

Our state presidents-elect joined college access and success professionals from across the country for four days of learning, collaboration, and leadership development. Featured here are our presidents-elect alongside Past President Teriki Barnes and Dr
Darica Simon Baptiste

Through engaging discussions, interactive workshops, and meaningful connections, participants are building the skills and strategies to lead, advocate, and expand opportunities for low-income and first-generation students.

10/25/2026

🌍 Applications are OPEN for the 2027 Keith Sherin Global Leaders Study Abroad Program! ✈️

TRIO professionals, help your Student Support Services (SSS) and McNair Scholars take their education beyond the classroom and across the globe with an unforgettable study abroad experience in The Hague, Netherlands! 🇳🇱

Selected students will explore global sustainability, peace, and justice through coursework at The Hague University of Applied Sciences, gain international perspectives, and build valuable leadership connections.

📅 Application deadline: Monday, November 16, 2026

Help your students discover a world of possibilities! Encourage them to apply and share this opportunity with your TRIO community.

🔗 https://coenet.org/keith-sherin-global-leaders-program/

Twenty TRIO Student Support Services and McNair participants and two group leaders will be selected for the 2023 Keith Sherin Global Leaders Program in The Hague, Netherlands June 23—July 15, 2023.

10/23/2026

🎓 TRIO Alumni—you’re part of our legacy and our future!

Join SWASAP for an evening of connection, celebration, and community as we honor the impact of TRIO and celebrate the journeys of our alumni.

♠️ Casino Night
🗣️ Alumni sharing their TRIO experiences
📅 November 9, 2026 | 5:30–8:00 PM
📍 Whyte Room, The Clyde Hotel
330 Tijeras Ave NW, Albuquerque, NM 87102

Reconnect. Relive. Inspire. Let’s keep building on the power of TRIO—together!

We can’t wait to see you there! 🎉

10/15/2026

TRIO Gives Back in Albuquerque!

At the SWASAP Annual Conference, we’re partnering with the Ripple 2 Wave Foundation to support Albuquerque community members experiencing homelessness.

Please bring essential items such as soap, shampoo, wipes, socks, gloves, beanies, hand sanitizer, or toothbrushes. Monetary donations and gift cards are also welcome. Donations can be dropped off at the conference registration table.

Every contribution makes a difference. Let’s show how TRIO gives back and create “Waves of Hope, One Ripple at a Time!”

10/07/2026

SWASAP Members,
The 55th Annual SWASAP Conference is getting closer, and we are excited to give you a preview of one of this year’s featured speakers!
On Monday, November 9, we will welcome Frank Kitchen (https://swasap.wildapricot.org/EmailTracker/LinkTracker.ashx?linkAndRecipientCode=RH8MEYpgpxp0NrGnDrsnv8SWO9NPSi7T8tEeMX6rlWStQMCYoTc%2fr8PCJVRFX0yavZbaP0LmmjUkz4x3GkNzHHc3I8qMS%2f4vSE2gAOJCDQU%3d) as one of our plenary speakers. Frank is known for his high-energy, engaging approach to leadership, motivation, and creating environments where people can thrive.
Take a moment to hear directly from Frank and get a preview of what he has in store for SWASAP.
We are looking forward to gathering in Albuquerque, New Mexico, for professional development, networking, fellowship, and opportunities to reconnect with our TRIO community from across the Southwest region.
If you have not registered (https://swasap.wildapricot.org/EmailTracker/LinkTracker.ashx?linkAndRecipientCode=LqzH1w38OJSJuJAo6NRIz9EXY9ozRJSGL1mdWycL071nRRY%2f0WffgEJNRiRQAV%2fEnYEY9zGAdWHKw%2fzSpD9cmQkNSio19XWZTtYP%2fg66pRk%3d) yet, we encourage you to make plans to join us. There is much more to come as we continue highlighting speakers, sessions, and experiences planned for this year’s conference.
We look forward to seeing you in Albuquerque!
TRIO Strong,

Frank Kitchen will be the Opening Keynote Speaker for the 2027 Sout...

10/02/2026

📣 CALL FOR PROPOSALS EXTENDED! 📣

The 55th Annual SWASAP Conference is coming to Albuquerque, NM, and we want to hear from you! Share your knowledge, experience, and innovative ideas with TRIO colleagues from across the region.

This year’s theme is:

✨ Standing Strong. Protecting the Promise of TRIO. ✨

We welcome presentation proposals on topics including:

🔹 AI-Driven Personalized Learning Systems
🔹 Best Practices
🔹 TRIO Trends and Issues
🔹 TRIO and Workforce Development Strategies
🔹 Partnerships and Collaboration
🔹 Technology and Effective Program Applications
🔹 Special Challenges and Opportunities
🔹 Talent Development
…and more!

Whether you are a seasoned presenter or submitting your first proposal, this is an opportunity to highlight the impactful work happening in your program and contribute to conversations that strengthen the TRIO community.

📅 Proposal deadline: October 12, 2026
📍55th Annual SWASAP Conference**
📆 November 7–11, 2026
🏨 The Clyde Hotel | Albuquerque, NM

For more information, contact:

📧 Jessica Nelson: [email protected]
📧 Gabby Zepeda: [email protected]

We look forward to receiving your proposals and seeing you soon!

09/17/2026

You don't have to be in San Diego to bid big in our online auction, win great items, and support the TRIO community.
You can bid for COE's 2026 Annual Conference Online Auction from wherever you are. Browse food experiences, travel packages, specialty items, and more. Every bid supports COE's national advocacy and helps keep transformational opportunities, including the National Student Leadership Congress, accessible to TRIO students nationwide. Browse the auction here.

Silent auction '2026 COE Annual Conference Auction' hosted online at 32auctions.

09/17/2026

Our SWASAP President D’Angelo Sands, President elect Billy Ray Huggins, and Past President Teriki Barnes are game ready at the 2026 COE annual conference new comers reception in San Diego, CA. Come out and meet your SWASAP Leaders.

09/16/2026

SWASAP is Ready for COEAC 2026!

From Access to Impact: Education as the Engine of Economic Mobility, we are excited to join TRIO professionals and advocates from across the country in San Diego, California, for the 2026 COE Annual Conference!

Representing SWASAP:
President: D’Angelo Sands
President-Elect: Billy Ray Huggins
Past-President: Teriki Barnes

Together, we continue to elevate the voices of TRIO professionals, champion educational access, and advance opportunities that create lasting impact for students and communities.

San Diego, CA
September 16–19, 2026

SWASAP is ready! Let’s connect, learn, advocate, and turn access into impact.

02/09/2026

💙 TRIO Funding Secured for FY26 💙
This week, the President signed the $1.2 trillion Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026, officially ending the partial government shutdown and funding federal agencies—including the U.S. Department of Education and the Federal TRIO Programs—through September 30.
For TRIO, this is big news:
✅ $1.191 billion in sustained TRIO funding is now law
✅ Previously agreed FY26 funding levels and report language are locked in
✅ ED is directed to fund TRIO at current levels
✅ Talent Search & EOC competition notices must be published
✅ Grant award notifications are required by June 30.
This outcome reflects strong advocacy, congressional engagement, and the power of showing up together. We’ll continue working to protect and strengthen TRIO—but today, we celebrate progress.
@ Louisiana Association of Student Assistance Programs (LASAP) Texas TRIO Association Oklahoma Division of Student Assistance (ODSA) Arkansas TRIO TRIO New Mexico