Spring marks the start of an eventful season in the policy space, which was particularly true this year, with the appropriations process in full swing and Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) completion rates still seeing the impact of the delayed rollout.
Over the last few months, the National College Attainment Network (NCAN) policy team has been hard at work, advocating to advance our federal policy priorities and ensuring that students have the resources they need to achieve success in their postsecondary
pathways.
Through strong coalition partnerships, Hill meetings, formal public comments, and other federal communications, we have been vocal about the need for increased funding for federal student aid and basic needs programs, FAFSA completion support, and evidence-based
postsecondary student success programs. From co-hosting a regional FAFSA summit, to organizing coalition letters about Pell Grants and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) eligibility, and outlining actionable FAFSA fixes, NCAN has made
our policy priorities loud and clear among our network and on the Hill.
Here are NCAN’s policy and advocacy highlights and communications from the last quarter.
FAFSA: Fixes and Completion Support
Central to NCAN’s advocacy efforts is the improvement of the FAFSA process. NCAN has not only identified specific operational fixes that could streamline the FAFSA launch but has also convened key stakeholders through initiatives like the Midwest FAFSA Summit. This summit, organized in collaboration with the Midwestern Higher Education Compact and State Higher Education Executive Officers Association,
or SHEEO, represents NCAN’s commitment to fostering collaboration aimed at optimizing financial aid access for students.
NCAN’s proactive engagement includes strategic partnerships with organizations like the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (NASFAA), demonstrating collective advocacy through
coalition letters urging timely FAFSA cycle launches and advocating for necessary regulatory adjustments.
NCAN’s public comments on issues such as FSA ID account creation and ongoing FAFSA form enhancements further exemplify
their role in shaping practical solutions to operational challenges.
Appropriations Advocacy: Federal Student Aid Programs
NCAN’s advocacy extends to appropriations advocacy, where they actively participate in coalition efforts such as the Student Aid Alliance and Double Pell Alliance.
These alliances enable NCAN to advocate against proposed funding cuts and push for increased investments in federal student aid programs, notably the Federal Pell Grant program. By leveraging these alliances, NCAN reinforces the importance of stronger
federal funding to support equitable access to higher education.
Appropriations Advocacy: Funding for Student Basic Needs Supports
Recognizing the holistic needs of students, NCAN collaborates with the Today’s Students Coalition to advocate for increased SNAP funding without compromising existing benefits. Their engagement extends to supporting initiatives like the Child Care Access Means Parents in School Program and addressing food
insecurity among higher education students through coalition letters. These efforts highlight NCAN’s commitment to advocating for comprehensive support that addresses students’ basic needs to foster academic success.
College Completion: Postsecondary Student Success Grants
In advancing postsecondary success, NCAN actively participates in shaping the Department of Education's Postsecondary Student Success Grant (PSSG) program. Their public comments on proposed rules and processes represent NCAN’s advocacy for defining and funding high-quality college completion programs. By joining coalition letters advocating for substantial appropriations for the PSSG program,
NCAN reinforces their commitment to enhancing student outcomes through targeted federal investments.
Collective Action and Acknowledgment
NCAN acknowledges the invaluable contributions of partners and members whose commitment has been instrumental in advancing their policy priorities. This collaborative approach represents NCAN’s belief in the power of collective action to effect meaningful
change in education policy.
In summary, NCAN’s spring policy and advocacy efforts reflect a proactive stance in advocating for federal policies that support student access, affordability, and success in higher education. Through strategic partnerships, coalition building, public
engagement, and targeted advocacy initiatives, NCAN continues to play a pivotal role in shaping policies that positively impact the educational journeys of students across the nation.
Email to a Friend