Persistent - Jesus Maldonado, Director of Educational Talent Search & GEAR Up

In this episode, we sit down with Jesus Maldonado, a powerhouse in the world of educational equity and a long-time champion for students. As a current Director for TRIO Educational Talent Search and GEAR UP, Jesus brings a wealth of on-the-ground experience to the show. We dive into the day-to-day realities of running these essential programs, the evolving landscape of college access, and how he manages the complexities of supporting first-generation students in a changing educational environment. Jesus also shares his insights from his extensive history of service with WESTOP. Having served as the organization's President and continuing to contribute in various capacities today, Jesus discusses the importance of professional associations in fueling the advocacy efforts necessary to keep TRIO and GEAR UP strong. Most importantly, Jesus joins us to provide actionable insights on how to effectively advocate for TRIO programs at both the local and federal levels. Whether you are a seasoned practitioner or a student wanting to make a difference, he breaks down practical, meaningful ways to get involved in the movement and ensure these programs continue to thrive for years to come. Community Announcement Links: TRIO Nation: Your voice is working! While Congress is moving to protect TRIO funding for 2026, we must remain vigilant. Administrative shifts still threaten the stability of TRIO grants. Take action now: Call your Congressional representatives today. Thank them for their bipartisan support and urge them to ensure TRIO programs remain fully funded and operational without delay. Let them know…TRIO Works!   Find your Congressional Representative   A heartfelt thanks to our individual donors and Patrons on Patreon Dr. Jamie Motley Dr. Ryan Barone Dr. Jeff Nepute Angelica Vialpando Angelica Valdez Rosario Riley Eric LaMaster Jeff Kahlden Felicia Rivera Rick Martinez Dawn BlueSky-Hill Jaded Electronics   A huge thanks to our corporate sponsors TRIOjoblist.com NOSOTROS Education Center (NEC) TheTRIOstore.com powered by Proforma Longsdale Publishing StudentAccess   Cover Art and Voice Over Work Cover Art: Raul Perez Voice Over Ad for Longsdale Publishing and StudentAccess: Amelia Castaneda Voice Over Ad for NOSOTROS Education Center: Karla Sandoval   The Let’s Talk TRIO Podcast Team John Russell: Music Composer, Music Performer, Audio Engineer, and Post-Production Editor Amelia Castaneda: Script Supervisor, Marketing Manager, Social Media Manager, and Producer Juan M. Rivas: Executive Producer & Host   Follow us on YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram   Visit the Let’s Talk TRIO Podcast Webpage