Last month, CARA Policy Researcher Ash Barry went down to Washington DC to attend the National College Attainment Network Leadership Summit. This event brings together over 200 people from college access organizations across the country; this was the first time a CARA staff member has attended. The two days included panels with experts in higher education, workshop sessions on advocacy, and meetings with elected officials to discuss the biggest priorities for higher ed funding. This year’s agenda focused on Pell Grants, simplifying FAFSA, and making college costs more transparent. 

As one participant said at the summit, “Pell is an access tool, a completion tool, and a social mobility tool.” CARA knows how true this is from our work with educators and students, not just in New York, but across the country. Participating in the NCAN Leadership Summit helps us take another step to advocate for policies that give more options to young people as they shape their futures.