May 26, 2009 (Arlington, VA) – Legislation introduced today in Congress could substantially improve student access to college counseling in high-need schools, according to the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC). The “Pathways to College Act,” sponsored by Senators Richard Durbin (D-IL) and Richard Burr (R-NC), and by Representatives Tim Bishop (D-NY) and Vern Ehlers (R-MI), would provide competitive grants to low-income school districts to help hire, train and equip college counseling professionals to guide students in the transition from high school to college.
“The introduction of the Pathways to College bill constitutes a great step forward for college access,” stated Joyce Smith, NACAC Chief Executive Officer. “This bill will help clear many of the barriers to effective college counseling, directly benefitting students in their pursuit of a college education. We stand ready to work with the sponsors of this legislation to ensure its success in Congress.”
The Pathways to College Act would provide competitive grant funds to high need school districts for the purpose of improving college going rates of all students. Included among required uses grant funds are:
- Professional development for high school counselors in postsecondary advising
- One on one meetings with a school counselor to develop a postsecondary plan for every student
- Information for all students and their families on the college application process, paying for college, and preparing for college
- Development of a school-wide plan to increase college-going culture in the school
About NACAC
NACAC is an Arlington, VA-based education association of more than 11,000 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, founded in 1937, 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.