Bridgeport News Stories

Bridgeport High School student Abel Laguna, a participant in the TRIO Weatherford College Educational Talent Search program, recently had the opportunity to represent his school and community at the Council for Opportunity in Education (COE) National Student Leadership Conference in Washington, D.C.

TRIO Educational Talent Search is a federally funded college access program designed to help students prepare for success after high school. The program provides academic support, college and career exploration, financial aid guidance, and personal encouragement for students—many of whom will be the first in their families to attend college.

During the conference, students from across the nation came together to strengthen their leadership skills, learn from one another, and advocate for the critical importance of educational opportunity programs. Reflecting on the experience, Abel shared that his favorite part of the trip was "meeting everyone" and learning from different perspectives. "Overall, we had a really great time," he said, explaining that the conference fostered lasting friendships and meaningful opportunities for future collaboration.

One of the highlights of the trip was meeting with congressional staff on Capitol Hill to discuss the life-changing impact of TRIO programs. Although Abel admitted he was nervous at first, he quickly felt at ease. "These people are trying every day to help our education and benefit us," he noted.

The experience left a lasting impression on him. "If you had told me five months ago that I would be going to Washington, D.C., to speak with congressional staff, I never would have believed it was real," Abel reflected. "As a kid from Bridgeport who had never traveled outside of Texas, coming back home has really just made me want to go further."

Abel also shared what the program truly means to him: "I believe Talent Search is a great program for kids who want to pursue higher education after high school—for kids who dream big and want to be the first in their family to earn a degree. Talent Search is not just a program; it's a community. It’s what brings us all together, uniting us across similar backgrounds and different cultures."

The conference has inspired Abel to continue exploring college opportunities and even consider studying abroad. His journey beautifully demonstrates how the TRIO Weatherford College Educational Talent Search program empowers students to build confidence, develop leadership skills, and realize that their biggest goals are well within reach. TRIO WORKS!