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, the NCAN 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 today!

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.

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. 

Please see below for an event overview. More details to come. 

EVENT DETAILS

What: 2026 NCAN Leadership Summit

When: Tuesday, April 7, 2025 (Executive Leadership Retreat, Policy Content Sessions, Advocacy Training, and Opening Reception) and Wednesday, April 8, 2025 (Congressional Education Policy Panel and Hill Meetings)

Where:

• JW Marriott Washington DC, 1331 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC, 20004 (Book your hotel in the NCAN room block here!)
  
• On Wednesday, 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.