Membership Overview

Each year membership totals over 700 and includes professional staff and students who support TRIO Programs, Gear Up, C.A.M.P. and many other federal- and state-based educational equity programs. We are increasingly trying to diversify memberships and welcome all who have an interest in supporting educational equity efforts from K-12 through graduate education.

Type of Membership

All 2025 - 2026 memberships are valid from July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026.

WESTOP Membership Signup

You can now sign up for your WESTOP membership online through our new Memberclicks platform. Please visit the following link so you can start to taking advantage of everything WESTOP has to offer.

 

The Benefits of Membership

Here are the top benefits of joining Western Association of Educational Opportunity Personnel (WESTOP) membership:

  1. Reduced Registration Fees
    Members enjoy discounted rates for the annual WESTOP regional conference as well as local chapter events.

  2. Voting & Leadership Privileges
    Membership grants the ability to vote in organizational decisions and be eligible for officer positions and committee roles, empowering you to shape WESTOP’s direction.

  3. Institutional Membership Perks
    If your college or organization purchases an institutional membership, its employees benefit from lower rates and full access to member perks across the board.

  4. Networking & Professional Development
    Being part of WESTOP connects you with a vibrant community of TRIO and educational opportunity professionals, offering rich opportunities, including volunteering on regional committees and chapters.

  5. Access to Resources and Updates
    Although details aren't fully laid out on the public site, members typically receive communications, resource access, and updates from WESTOP. Plus, the institutional model suggests ongoing member-centric offerings like materials sharing and exclusive program information.

 Five WESTOP Members sitting at registration table at annual conference
2025 - 2026 Membership Drive

NOW OPEN

Take advantage of our early bird discounts for Individual and Institutional Memberships!

Register

Membership Levels

A professional membership is open to anyone interested in becoming a member of WESTOP.

Cost:
$145 per membership year

Discounted Price:
$100 from July 1 – October 13, 2025

Benefits:
Reduced conference registration rates for regional and chapter events, plus voting privileges.

The entire institution benefits from reduced rates for regional and chapter events; voting is limited to designated members per tier. Program funds may be used to purchase institutional membership.

Early Bird Price:

July 1 – October 13, 2025

One Grant Program, 1–5 Voting Members: $500

2+ Grant Programs, 1–10 Voting Members: $960

2+ Grant Programs, 1–20 Voting Members: $1,355

2+ Grant Programs, 21+ Voting Members: $1,730

Regular Price:

October 14, 2025 – June 30, 2026

One Grant Program, 1–5 Voting Members: $830

2+ Grant Programs, 1–10 Voting Members: $1,665

2+ Grant Programs, 1–20 Voting Members: $2,495

2+ Grant Programs, 21+ Voting Members: $3,325

Open to undergrad or grad students not employed full-time (proof of enrollment required). No voting privileges.

Cost:
$25 per membership year

Please note: No discounted price available

Open to retirees who previously qualified for other membership types and wish to continue supporting educational equity.

Cost:
$50 per membership year

Please note: No discounted price available

Open to businesses and industries wanting to financially support WESTOP.

Cost:
$250 per membership year

Includes:
Discounted event rates and advertising opportunities on the WESTOP listserv.

Contact the WESTOP President at [email protected] to post to the listserv. No voting privileges.

 

Join the WESTOP Google Group Listserv

  1. Sign in to Google Groups. Learn how to join if you do not have a Google Account.
  2. In the box at the top, enter “WESTOP” to see [email protected].
  3. Click “Join group” or “Apply to join.” You’ll be approved and added to the group.

Our Chapters

Join A Chapter
Arizona Chapter

Arizona

The Arizona Chapter of WESTOP represents 35 TRIO programs throughout the state. It’s a network of members and institutions dedicated to expanding educational access for disadvantaged persons and those with disabilities, and offers professional development and student leadership opportunities.
Central California Chapter

Central California (CenCal)

The CenCal Chapter represents over 35 TRIO/Educational Equity programs in Central California. It advances educational equity through member networking, professional development, and advocacy at the local, state, and federal levels.
Nevada Chapter

Nevada

The Nevada Chapter represents 23 TRIO/Educational Equity programs statewide, bringing together equity professionals who support WESTOP’s mission of promoting access to higher education for underrepresented students.
Northern California Chapter

Northern California (NorCal)

NorCal is a network of educational equity personnel who advance WESTOP’s goals for low-income, first-generation, and disabled students through advocacy, professional development, and community partnerships.
Pacific Islands Chapter

Pacific Islands

The Pacific Islands Chapter spans multiple time zones and five TRIO programs, uniting equity professionals across the region to support WESTOP’s mission and regional student success.
Southern California Chapter

Southern California (SoCal)

SoCal is the largest chapter, with over 200 members from 36 programs across 20 institutions. Members are dedicated to promoting educational equity throughout Southern California.