NCAN's 2026 Leadership Summit

NCAN's 2026
Leadership Summit

 

Dates

April 7-8, 2026

Location

JW Marriott DC
and Capitol Hill

Price

Students: FREE
NCAN Member Staff: $199

Building on the success of the National College Attainment Network’s (NCAN) annual Hill Day and Advocacy Training from previous years, we are excited to announce the return of our premier advocacy event and policy convening, NCAN's Leadership Summit, on April 7 and 8, 2026! Join us in Washington, DC, for a unique opportunity to engage in thought leadership with NCAN members from across the country, learn from experts about timely policy topics shaping postsecondary education, and make your voice heard about the issues impacting your students and communities.

REGISTER NOW

Last year, 240 NCAN members and students advocated successfully to protect Pell Grant eligibility, provide funding to stave off a Pell shortfall, and maintain subsidized loans for undergraduate students.  

Programming on Tuesday, April 7, will be tailored to attendees’ professional background and experience to help every participant grow their impact on policy. Providing a mix of knowledge and skill-building sessions, the event will feature a half-day Executive Leadership Retreat for CEOs and Executive Directors, an introduction to advocacy for newcomers and students, an advanced advocacy training for those looking to deepen their advocacy skill set, and content sessions on the latest trends and biggest ideas related to higher education access and attainment.

On Wednesday, April 8, members will take to Capitol Hill to put their new skills into action, make their voices heard, and educate their representatives in the United States House and Senate on time-sensitive and pressing policy issues, like the need for increased funding for Pell Grants and other federal student aid. With the Pell Grant covering less than a third of the cost of attendance at in-state public postsecondary institutions, college is growing increasingly out of reach for students from low-income families. NCAN members can change this trajectory by raising our collective voice to demand better.

Register today to secure your spot and take advantage of our early-bird pricing before December 31! Registration is free for high school and college students who participate in NCAN member programs.


Event Details

When: Tuesday, April 7, 2026 (Executive Leadership Retreat, Policy Content Sessions, Advocacy Training, and Opening Reception) and Wednesday, April 8, 2026 (Congressional Education Policy Panel and Hill Meetings)

WhereJW Marriott Washington DC, 1331 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC, 20004 (book your hotel in the NCAN room block  here). On Tuesday, we’ll be on Capitol Hill, meeting with staffers and elected officials.

Why: To deepen relationships among NCAN members, strengthen your policy knowledge and advocacy skillset, and drive federal policy change!

Who: We welcome all NCAN members and the students they serve to participate in the Leadership Summit – especially those interested or engaged in policy advocacy. There will be special programming for CEOs and Executive Directors.  

How to get there

Public transit
The JW Marriott is conveniently located a few blocks from the Metro Center Metrorail station, which is served by the Red, Orange, Blue, and Silver lines. Capitol Hill can be accessed via the Union Station (Red line) or Capitol South (Blue, Orange, and Silver lines) Metrorail stations. Union Station is also served by intercity and commuter rail, as well as intercity buses. 

Nearby airport
Downtown DC is a 15-minute car ride from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), a  45 minute car ride from Dulles International Airport (IAD), and a one hour car ride from  Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI). DCA and IAD are both served by Metro. Please note that travel times can differ depending on traffic/time of day.


Schedule

Tuesday, April 7
JW Marriott DC
 Wednesday, April 8
Capitol Hill
8:00-8:45AM: Breakfast

9:00AM-5:00PM: Hill Meetings

NCAN members and students will meet with the offices of their Members of Congress. Meeting times and locations will vary based on availability.

8:45-9:00AM: Welcome and Overview
9:00AM-12:00PM: Policy Panel and Group Discussions9:00AM-12:00PM: Executive Leadership Retreat
12:00-1:00PM: Lunch
1:00-1:45PM: Policy Panel
1:45-2:15PM: NCAN Policy Priorities and Federal Policy Update
2:20-4:00PM: Training - Policy and Advocacy 1012:20-4:00PM: Training - Advanced Policy and Advocacy
4:00-4:45PM: Hill Meeting Prep in State Teams
4:45-5:00PM: Closing Remarks
5:00PM onwards: Opening Reception

FAQs

Q: Who should attend the Leadership Summit?
A: 
The Summit is open to all NCAN members, including the students you serve, alumni, and board members.

Q: Who should attend the Executive Leadership Retreat during the Summit?
A: The retreat is specifically designed for CEOs and Executive Directors who:

  • Have the organizational capacity to influence and drive meaningful change.
  • Can allocate staff and financial resources toward strategic initiatives.
  • Are prepared to engage in high-level discussions that will shape the future of college attainment and equity.

More information about the 2026 Executive Leadership Retreat, and how to register, will be available soon.

Q: What are the registration rates for the Summit?
A: Our early bird registration fee is $199. After December 31, this rate will increase to $249. Registration is free for students who participate in NCAN member programs.

Q: Where should I stay? Is there a hotel block?
A: Yes, we highly recommend booking in the NCAN hotel block at the JW Marriott, due to price and convenience. It will be cherry blossom season in DC, which can drive up room rates. Make your reservation here!

Q: When does registration close?
A: Registration will close on Friday, March 27. We will not be able to register any attendees following this date.

Q: How do I register students?
A: If you plan to bring high school or undergraduate students to the Summit (or think you might), please indicate your plans on the NCAN member Summit registration form. Your registration confirmation will include a link to register students.  

Questions? Please contact NCAN's Senior Associate, Policy and Advocacy, Louisa Woodhouse at woodhouse@ncan.org.