Please find below news on NACAC's government relations issues and activities as well as resources for NACAC professionals related to these issues. For more information, contact NACAC staff at legislative@nacacnet.org.
Professional Resources
Budget and Appropriations
Find here information on annual appropriations Congress provides for 13 agencies, including the U.S. Department of Education. NACAC regularly advocates on behalf of federal education programs that support college awareness, school counseling, access to college preparatory coursework, financial aid for colleges, and other education priorities.
Diversity on Campus
NACAC has collected resources for counseling and admission professionals in pursuit and maintenance of diversity on campus.
The DREAM Act
The DREAM Act is a narrowly tailored legislative remedy for undocumented students who were brought to the United States as minors, have attended and completed secondary education in the U.S. but have no clear path to citizenship. This bill would grant those paths for students seeking higher education or military careers. NACAC supports the DREAM Act as a college access initiative, and has been working on its passage since 2001.
Economic Stimulus
In response to the lagging economy, Congress and the Administration have developed economic stimulus packages. NACAC supports the inclusion of initiatives designed to provide educational opportunities for students who might otherwise not be able to afford them.
Financial Crisis
Listen to firsthand accounts of how the economic downturn is affecting school counselors and college admission officers.
Higher Education Act
Resources for college counseling and admission professionals related to the Higher Education Act (HEA) and related legislation.
Rigorous Curriculum
To learn more about how the federal government is addressing rigorous, college preparatory curriculum through, both, the ACG and SMART Grants and the COMPETES Act.
Pathways to College Act
Sponsored by Sen. Richard Durbin (D-IL) and Sen. Richard Burr (R-NC), the Pathways to College Act would improve the college-going rates of the neediest students through investment in college counseling. NACAC actively supports the passage of the Pathways to College Act to increase college awareness and access to quality school counseling.
Private Student Loans
Find out what steps and provisions are being taken in order to ensure that private student lending outside of the federal loan programs is carefully monitored to ensure that student and family concerns are being protected.
Scholarships and Financial Aid Resources
For college counseling and admission professionals looking to learn more about navigating information on scholarships and financial aid.
Student Aid and Fiscal Responsibility Act (SAFRA)
Legislation to invest billions of dollars directly in students and families by ending the Federal Family Education Loan Program. Savings would be used to increase the maximum Pell Grant award, grow student college access and completion programs, simplify the FAFSA form, and provide loan forgiveness for active servicemen and women called up to duty during the academic year.
Training for Counselors
A collection of resources to inform counselors of training opportunities offered through NACAC as well as policy updates on key legislation pertaining to the counseling profession.
Veterans
Financial aid and other higher education-related resources for veterans, active duty service members and National Guard members.