How NPEA Connects Educators to Expand Opportunity for Students
At the 2025 NPEA Conference in Philadelphia, we had the chance to sit down with the National Partnership for Educational Access (NPEA) team to learn more about the people, vision, and community driving this national network. Represented in our interview by Member Engagement Manager Bianca Diaz, NPEA brings together organizations and educators working to support under-resourced students on their journey through and into college.
Her passion for connection, collaboration, and community was clear from the very first moment of our conversation.
What Is NPEA and Who Does It Serve?
Founded in 2007, NPEA is a membership-based organization uniting:
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Higher education institutions
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K–12 schools
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Community-based organizations
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College access and success programs
Its mission is to create a shared space where educators and youth-serving professionals can collaborate to tackle complex education equity challenges.
“We bring people from across the entire education landscape to one table,” Bianca said.
“It’s about brainstorming solutions, sharing ideas, and pushing toward real access for under-resourced students.”
How Educators Can Stay Connected After the Conference
The annual conference is just one entry point into the NPEA network. Members benefit from:
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Monthly newsletters and digests
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Research, tools, and curated resources
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Regional gatherings in local cities
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Year-round opportunities to learn and collaborate
Membership is open to:
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Colleges and universities
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K–12 schools
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Community organizations
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Anyone committed to college access and educational equity
“We want educators to know they have a network behind them,” Bianca shared.
Bianca’s Path to NPEA
Bianca joined the NPEA staff after completing her master’s degree in social work at Penn. She always knew she wanted to work in education and community-building, but not in a traditional classroom or clinical setting.
NPEA provided a perfect fit.
“I’ve always wanted to connect people. I want to make sure the folks doing the work have what they need.”
With a team she feels aligned with and a mission she believes deeply in, she described the experience as “just feeling right from day one.”
What Makes the NPEA Conference Special
Her favorite part of the conference?
First-time attendees.
Seeing educators unfamiliar with NPEA walk in unsure — and leave inspired, connected, and excited to return — is a highlight every year.
“They arrive not knowing us at all, and then they leave saying, ‘I can’t wait to come back.’ That’s what this community is about.”
Bianca’s Educational Journey
Bianca’s academic path reflects her values and interests:
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University of Bridgeport — B.A. in International Relations & Economic Diplomacy
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Merrimack College — M.Ed. in Education (Community Development)
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University of Pennsylvania — M.S.W., Social Work
Her experiences—including two years of service with City Year Boston—helped her understand the power of education as both a community tool and a pathway to opportunity.
Why She Chose Penn, and Why She Chose Philadelphia
As someone raised in Boston, Bianca wanted to experience a new city with a rich history of community and activism.
Philadelphia was exactly that.
“Y’all really welcome people. For real. I’ve never felt that type of community from jump.”
Even during difficult personal moments, the connections she formed in Philly made the city feel like home.
Her Favorite College Memory
At the University of Bridgeport, Bianca experienced a uniquely diverse student community. She connected with people from all over the world and even had the opportunity to travel internationally.
Those global experiences shaped her worldview and her commitment to community-centered work.
Words to Her High School Self
“Stay true to yourself. Don’t change for anybody else. You got this.”
A message many young people—and adults—can hold onto.
🎥 Watch the Full Interview
See the full conversation on our YouTube channel and don’t forget to subscribe for more college, career, and community stories:
👉 Watch here: https://bit.ly/3XHbf3w
