Arlington, VA (February 27, 2009) - The National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) applauds President Obama for crafting a budget that demonstrates his commitment to improving college access for all students.
“We find it encouraging that President Obama’s priorities, as illustrated in his budget request, reflect his campaign promises to improve access to higher education for all students,” said NACAC President Bill McClintick. “This budget represents a positive investment in helping more students enroll and succeed in college. We stand ready to work with the President to help him achieve his goals.”
Improving college access and success for all students is NACAC’s primary policy concern. President Obama’s budget includes support for strategies that improve student achievement and college-going rates, specifically investment in college counseling programs. Research conducted by NACAC indicates that school counselors are the best source of information for students pursuing postsecondary education.
Research also indicates that federal investment in need-based student aid is the one of the most effective means to improving college access. The Pell Grant is the cornerstone of federal student financial aid, and the President’s budget strengthens it to ensure continued access to financial aid for low income students.
“Strong investment in need-based financial aid, support for quality school counseling, and improved access to college preparatory curriculum are NACAC’s three policy priorities for improving college access and success,” said Joyce Smith, CEO of NACAC. “President Obama’s budget is an exciting step toward making significant progress on these goals.”
About NACAC: NACAC is an Arlington, VA-based education association of more than 11,000 primary and secondary school counselors, independent counselors, college admission and financial aid officers, enrollment managers, and organizations that work with students as they make the transition from high school to postsecondary education. The association is committed to maintaining high standards that foster ethical and social responsibility among those involved in the transition process, as outlined in the NACAC Statement of Principles of Good Practice.