MECEO is the state organization of personnel from 41 federally funded TRiO programs based at 17 colleges, universities and community agencies that provide support services to eligible Maryland students.

The Maryland Executive Council for Educational Opportunities enjoys the distinction of being the first statewide organization of TRiO programs. MECEO was initiated in 1968 and formed in 1969 by William A. Greene, Jr., director of Upward Bound at The Gilman School in Baltimore; Vernon L. Brown, director of TRiO programs at the Community College of Baltimore (now Baltimore City Community College); and Ellen D. Howard, director of Direct Search for Talent (Educational Talent Search). The organization was then known as the Metropolitan Executive Council for Educational Opportunity.

In 1971, TRiO programs at the University of Maryland, College Park and Bowie State College (now Bowie State University) were invited to join the organization. At that time the name was changed to the Maryland Executive Council for Educational Opportunities (MECEO). Later, other TRiO programs within the state joined the organization and by 1973 all TRiO programs in the state were members. In 1974, under the guidance of member Dr. Jerry Lewis, MECEO became more involved in regional politics. MECEO is the first state association in Region III to have had bi-state conferences. Currently, MECEO is the only state association to testify before the U.S. Congress on TRiO legislation.

Mission
The mission of the organization shall be to further educational opportunities for low-income and first-generation college individuals, as well as for individuals with disabilities, in the State of Maryland.

Strategies
To achieve the mission of the organization, members will coordinate activities among educational opportunity programs with, but not limited to, the TRiO programs to enhance professional development and to work for change in state and federal policies that benefits students.

Goals
The goals of the organization shall be to:

1. Promote opportunities for post-secondary education for TRiO eligible students;
2. Coordinate TRiO program activities in the State of Maryland; and
3. Serve as a resource for traditional and non-traditional TRiO programs.