The National College Attainment Network's (NCAN) premier annual policy engagement event is just around the corner! #NCANHillDay, scheduled for March 20-21, 2024, is a coordinated opportunity for the college access
and success community to convene on Capitol Hill and meet with your federal representatives. By participating, you can relay your stories and discuss pressing issues and education policy priorities with policymakers.
To ensure that all participants feel confident and prepared for Hill Day, NCAN will host a virtual advocacy training event on February 28 at 3 PM ET, as well as a half-day training in person on March 20. These opportunities are designed to prepare
participants to lead Congressional meetings, share succinct and effective stories (or “pitches”), and take a deep dive into NCAN’s federal policy agenda.
On March 21, members will hear from key congressional and administration staff in panel discussion before taking off to lead meetings with federal representatives. Through participation in our advocacy training and Hill Day events, NCAN members can expect
to:
Gain new and transferable skills in policy and advocacy that will make them more effective in driving systemic change.
Learn how to persuasively frame their personal stories and “asks” to drive towards a more affordable and equitable postsecondary education system.
Understand the federal education policies and priorities impacting the students NCAN members serve.
Educate their elected representatives in the US House and Senate on time-sensitive and pressing policy issues like funding for Pell Grants.
Connect with like-minded peers who are hungry for change across the country.
Whether you are brand new to policy advocacy or a seasoned expert in driving federal change, your voice is needed in Washington, DC! All NCAN members and your students, alumni, and board members are welcome to attend.
NCAN members have played a monumental role in recent progress in federal education policy. Thanks
to your hard work, the maximum Pell Grant has seen its greatest increase in a decade in the last few years, with Congress approving an increase of $500 to the maximum Pell last year. Now is the time to keep the pressure on and the progress coming!
Spring marks a key window to influence federal policy, especially the appropriations process where funding for Pell is determined. And there is no better way to impact federal policy than one on one meetings with your representatives. It’s time-consuming
work, but it pays off.
Please RSVP to join us at Hill Day in DC using this link (NOTE:
Sign into your NCAN account to view the event information). We hope to see you in DC! An agenda and suggested accommodations can be found below.
Agenda
When?
What?
Where?
Why?
February 28
3 PM ET
Virtual Pre-Hill Day Advocacy Training
Online
To prepare for Hill Day, learn more about NCAN policy priorities, and hear from members about their experiences with advocacy on Capitol Hill
March 20
1-5 PM ET
Day 1:
Hill Day Advocacy Training
New America
740 15th Street NW, Suite 900
To fine-tune your advocacy skills (like crafting a “pitch” and running an effective Hill meeting) and deepen your understanding of the federal education policy landscape.
March 20
5-7 PM ET
Reception
New America
740 15th Street NW, Suite 900
To have fun and reconnect with your peers and new friends in the college access and success community.
March 21
9-10am ET
Day 2:
Education Policy Panel on the Hill
Dirksen Senate Office Building, Room 124
50 Constitution Ave NE
To hear from key staff members in Congress about their federal education policy priorities.
March 21
10 AM onward
Hill meetings scheduled by participants
US House and Senate Offices on Capitol Hill
To advocate for #DoublePell, streamlining SNAP eligibility, continued broadband funding, and more!
Accommodations
Washington, DC has many options for hotel accommodations. Given the locations of both the advocacy training (near the White House) and Hill Day (near the US Capitol), below are some options that may work for you. We recommend that you book your accommodations
in advance, as hotel space can fill up quickly.
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