The Advocacy Leadership Program is an opportunity to learn how to advocate in Harrisburg or DC and with your local state and federal legislators on issues central to secondary and postsecondary education.  Through a 5-part training series, attendees are given the opportunity to engage with lobbyists and legislative experts and learn how to utilize our elected officials around key education policies and legislation.  Participants will receive a resume-builder, badge of completion, and recognition at the respective conferences.

To obtain your badge, you must participate in at least four of the following training events and conduct a Capstone Visit at a local legislative office, in Harrisburg and/or DC (whatever if you prefer).

Session 1 - What is Advocacy?

Speaker - David Hawkins
December 4, 2024 @ 2pm

Session 2 - Current Secondary Issues

Speaker - Dr. Adam Oldham
January 8, 2025 @ 2pm

Session 3 - Current Post-Secondary Issues

Speaker - Dr. Kim McCurdy
February 5, 2025 @ 2pm

Session 4 - Current Issues in Financial Aid

Speaker - Ryan Jensema 
March 5, 2025 @ 2pm

Session 5 - How to Advocate

Speaker - Alejandro Campos
April 2, 2025 @ 2pm

Registration for the 2024-2025 ALP - click here to sign up for all sessions!

Cost:  Free for members; $40 for nonmembers
To join PACAC, please click here. 

Capstone Visit:
Select an education issue that is relevant to you in your work or an area that you are passionate about.  Appropriate topics include (but are not limited to) high school counseling and academic rigor, college affordability, financial literacy, adequate funding for education, etc.  You are limited by your imagination.  Present the research and information and ask the legislator to support efforts to get policy and legislation introduced to combat these issues for our students.  If you are able, have a student attend the visit with you or share a compelling story from one of your students.

Complete the Capstone visit by May 31, 2025.  Take a picture with the legislator and/or their staff and then promote it on the PACAC Facebook (Government Relations (PACAC) or Pennsylvania Association for College Admission Counseling), PASFAA Facebook (PASFAA (Pennsylvania Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators)) or Twitter page (@PACAC1954) to receive completion credit. *You may also email the photo to a member of the GRC if you do not participate in social media.