February 12, 19, and 26, 2021  

Higher Education and a Renewed American Compact

About the Conference

This year’s theme “Higher Education and a Renewed American Compact” centers on the fact that at every generational inflection point over the last 150 years, higher education has always been front and center. Key examples through this time in history include the creation of several key national policies such as the Morrill Land Grant College Act of 1862, the GI Bill, Pell Grants, Title IX, and the national growth of the community/junior college in the 1970s. 

Postsecondary education is now poised to strike a “Renewed American Compact” with students and families. To maximize this opportunity, it is imperative that we achieve clarity in the sector’s advocacy regarding how, when, and where instruction will be delivered. We also need to examine how the current coronavirus pandemic has laid bare educational, health, and technology disparities “stick-built” campuses could overcome in proximity, but struggle with virtually. 

Conference speakers will lead conversations around the needs of students affected disproportionately by the dual health and economic crises, how colleges and university campuses continue to be financially impacted, and the prospects of additional assistance that could be provided. The meeting will also take a prospective look at state budgets in the new year and explore what else lies ahead in 2021 and lessons learned from virtual-based advocacy.

Contact:
Luis Maldonado
Vice President for Government Relations and Policy Analysis
202-478-4651

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