About Community Outreach Coalition

Removing Barriers.
Expanding Opportunity.
Changing Lives.

For more than 18 years, Community Outreach Coalition (COC) has helped students, families, and adults overcome the barriers that stand between them and their goals. We believe that talent is everywhere, but opportunity isn’t always equally accessible. That’s why we connect people to the education, careers, relationships, and resources they need to learn, work, lead, and thrive.

Our work goes beyond delivering programs. We build connections that help people move from where they are today to where they want to be tomorrow.

Our Mission

Community Outreach Coalition removes barriers to education, employment, and economic mobility through The Access Framework.

Our Vision

We envision communities where opportunity is accessible to everyone—not limited by income, geography, circumstance, or background.

Our Belief

Opportunity doesn't always fail because people lack motivation.
Sometimes people don't know what opportunities exist.
Sometimes they can't afford them.
Sometimes they're too far away.
Sometimes they simply don't know the right people.
COC exists to remove those barriers so individuals and families can confidently move forward.

The COC Way

At COC, we don’t believe one program solves every challenge.

Instead, we ask one question:

"What's standing between this person and their goal?"

The answer becomes the starting point.

Our team works alongside participants to identify barriers, connect them with the right opportunities, and provide support every step of the way.

The Access Framework™

A Different Way to Think About Opportunity

The Access Framework™ is the philosophy that guides every decision we make. It helps us understand each participant’s unique needs and connect them to the education, experiences, relationships, and resources that will have the greatest impact.

Rather than offering one-size-fits-all solutions, the framework helps us remove the barriers that often prevent people from achieving educational and economic success.

The Six Areas of Access

Information Access

Helping people understand their options and navigate available opportunities.

Financial Access

Connecting participants with scholarships, financial aid, and other financial resources.

Proximity & Delivery

Bringing services directly into schools, neighborhoods, and community spaces.

Skill Building

Developing the knowledge and skills needed for success in school, work, and life.

Career Exposure

Introducing participants to careers, workplaces, and educational pathways through real-world experiences.

Network Building

Connecting participants with mentors, employers, educators, and community partners who can open doors to future opportunities.

Explore Our Programs

Our Impact

We believe transparency builds trust.

Community Outreach Coalition is committed to responsible stewardship of every dollar entrusted to us.

View Our:

Board of Directors

Strong communities require strong leadership.

Meet the dedicated community leaders who help guide the mission and future of COC.

Partners & Sponsors

Removing barriers takes a community.

COC is proud to partner with schools, businesses, nonprofit organizations, government agencies, foundations, and community leaders who share our commitment to expanding opportunity throughout Hampton Roads.