Washington DC March 16th -19t h, 2013
Spring Conference – National Student Advocacy
Click for Registration Information 
CONFERENCE FOCUS
ENDANGERED: Pell Grants and Student Aid
Students across the nation should be most interested in the current Washington D.C. climate and the upcoming election. In 2011, ASACC and its partners successfully saved the Pell Grant maximum and even convinced Congress to slightly increase its investment in the program. However, Congress and President Obama are still looking for places to balance the budget and community college students need to make sure that balancing is not done on the backs of students! We are at a critical junction in history, the economy is struggling, state support for students is down and enrollments are up. Investment in education and the future must be a priority or we face an uncertain future. Because of these issues it is even more important for students to be civically involved. As the opportunity affords we will invite all the major players to speak to our attendees or to send a representative from their office to share their vision for higher education, community colleges, ways to balance the budget, and the 2012 election.
There are 12 million community college students in the nation, many who depend on these critical programs to assist them in obtaining workforce training. As elected officers of the student body, student leaders have a responsibility to represent their constituents on issues of concern. What issues impact community colleges more than Pell Grants, Student Loan Interest Rates and availability, and other programs that assist them in securing education and training?
The conference will also feature speakers from the U.S. Department of Education, the American Association of Community Colleges, the Association of Community College Trustees, and the Student Aid Alliance. These experts will share with students the top issues facing community colleges and students during 2012. Recently, ASACC and its partner organizations have shared success in increasing the Pell Grant maximum, lowering student interest rates, passing the Higher Education Act Reauthorization and advocating an investigation into textbook prices but the battle never ends.
The Congress and Administration are continuing to face many concerns that divert their attention from investing in the future. Students cannot assume that a visit to Congress or a letter every few years will keep their eye on the educational priorities that will continue to help this nation compete in the global economy. There are far too many distractions and other groups who constantly push their message. Students must do the same!!
Learn the Issues and Meet With Your Members of Congress
The conference will provide general sessions, keynote speakers, workshops and forums designed to educate the student participants on the major issues that are critical to community colleges. Some of those issues include:
• Pell Grants
• Student Loan Availability
• Federal Work-Study Funding
• Perkins Funding for Community Colleges
• Textbook Prices
• Student Debt Relief
• AND MORE!!
While attending and participating in the conference students are given time to meet with their Representatives and Senators or their staff members regarding these important issues and other campus issues that have been coordinated with campus
administration. The conference serves as a very strong educational experience which teaches the values espoused by ASACC:
LEADERSHIP, CITIZENSHIP, and ADVOCACY! Register early as there is only enough space at the hotel for 375 participants!