New York, NY– Data’s immense potential to reshape policy, refine practice, and improve student outcomes took center stage during the Council for Opportunity in Education (COE)’s 2024 Annual Conference at a session titled “From Data to Deliverables: Leveraging Program Performance Data to Inform Policy and Practice.” The plenary panel featured experts from the U.S. Department of Education and Axim Collaborative, who discussed how decades of TRIO data can be harnessed to support underrepresented students and drive broader educational change.
Moderated by Aaron Brown, Executive Vice President of COE and a TRIO Student Support Services alumnus, the session explored the intersections between data and educational equity. Brown set the tone early, underscoring that TRIO’s more than 40-year-old data collection efforts have the potential to do far more than meet reporting requirements. “This data holds the promise of far greater impact. It can address broader questions surrounding college access and success for low-income, first-generation students,” he stated.
Insights from Key Federal and Research Leaders
The session featured two prominent voices in education: Roberto Rodriguez, Assistant Secretary for Planning, Evaluation, and Policy Development at the U.S. Department of Education, and Stephanie Miller, Vice President of Data and Impact at Axim Collaborative. Miller is a former research associate of the Pell Institute for the Study of Opportunity in Higher Education and proudly identifies as an alumnus of TRIO’s Upward Bound Math-Science and McNair programs.
Rodriguez, who has long been involved in federal education policy, shared reflections on his roots in TRIO, dating back to his time working for the Upward Bound program. He acknowledged how formative those years were and emphasized how much data has evolved since TRIO’s inception. “TRIO has such a rich history backed by data,” Rodriguez said, underscoring the role data has played in documenting TRIO’s impact on generations of students. “This data helps us understand not only how our students are progressing but also how TRIO is making a difference in their lives.”
Rodriguez explained how TRIO’s data, especially through its Annual Performance Reports (APRs), has become integral in shaping federal policy decisions related to educational access. The data serves as a cornerstone for justifying continued funding and expanding resources for programs that target underrepresented students. “We’ve seen time and time again how important it is to use data in advocating for TRIO programs,” he added, reinforcing that policymakers are increasingly focused on outcomes and return on investment.
Stephanie Miller, who brings over two decades of data science and research expertise, discussed her personal and professional connection to TRIO. “As a TRIO alumna, I know firsthand how these programs change lives. But the data tells the full TRIO story,” she said. Miller stressed the critical need to leverage data for both advocacy and programmatic improvement. “TRIO has managed to figure out the perfect pathways to help students succeed…..But it’s through data that we understand not only academic progress but also the personal connections and opportunities that make TRIO so powerful.”
Linking TRIO Data to Larger Data Sets
A central theme of the discussion was how TRIO data can be linked with other large-scale data sets to provide a fuller picture of student outcomes. Rodriguez discussed the importance of collaborating with data sources such as the National Student Clearinghouse and unemployment insurance wage data, which can give a broader understanding of students’ post-graduation experiences, including career progression and income stability.
“We need to tap into these resources to understand our students better—what they face, where they live, and how we can help them succeed,” Rodriguez explained. External data can help TRIO professionals and policymakers track long-term outcomes and identify areas where additional support is needed.
Miller expanded on this by discussing the importance of storytelling through data. “Politicians want to know the return on investment,” she said, pointing out that data provides the evidence needed to justify funding and resources. “Using data to tell powerful stories that show TRIO’s success is critical.” According to Miller, crafting narratives backed by hard data can be instrumental in changing public perceptions of TRIO programs’ impact on students, especially those from low-income and first-generation backgrounds.
The Call for Program Improvement
While much of the conversation revolved around using data for advocacy, both panelists stressed the need for TRIO professionals to dig deeper into their own data to improve their programs. Rodriguez noted, “We don’t use that data enough for program improvement.” He encouraged program leaders to analyze their local data to inform decision-making, address gaps, and refine services.
Miller echoed this sentiment, reminding the audience that the power of data goes beyond compliance. “The data is a resource for you—it can guide decisions, track what’s working, and help pivot when needed. It’s about using it to make your program better every year.”
The panelists also pointed out the challenges of managing and analyzing large volumes of data, particularly in small or under-resourced programs. Rodriguez emphasized the importance of equipping TRIO professionals with the tools and training to make sense of the data they collect. He advocated for more opportunities for TRIO staff to gain skills in data analysis, which would ultimately enhance program quality and help ensure student success.
Looking Forward: Data as a Pathway to a Stronger Future
In closing, Aaron Brown reinforced TRIO data’s potential to shape educational equity’s future. “The more we can harness the power of data, the better equipped we’ll be to advocate for the resources and support our students need,” he said. He urged TRIO professionals to view data as a reporting obligation and as a tool to push the boundaries of what’s possible for the students they serve.
Rodriguez and Miller left attendees with a clear message: TRIO’s rich history of data collection is more than just a legacy—it’s a powerful tool that can be leveraged to ensure students’ future success across the country. As the educational landscape evolves, the ability to turn data into actionable insights will be crucial in advocating for policies that advance the cause of educational opportunity for all.