AACC serves as the national voice of community colleges through advocacy and program advancement.
Policymaking
The AACC Government Relations Office aggressively represents the needs of the nation's community colleges and their students to federal policymakers. The association's government relations agenda covers a broad array of issues.
Advocacy
AACC was integral to the establishment of a bipartisan Senate Congressional Community College Caucus, paralleling one created in the House. The latter continues to thrive, now reaching almost 150 members.
AACC keeps major presidential candidates informed about community college interests, offering far-reaching policy proposals-designed to influence the campaigns and party platforms along with comprehensive background information on why community colleges are integral to the nation's economic and social well-being.
Equity and Student Success
With nine national partners and 18 funders, AACC is advancing work on equity and student success in more than 80 colleges in 15 states through the Achieving the Dream: Community Colleges Count national initiative established by Lumina Foundation for Education. AACC, a key partner, is the developer and manager of the Achieving the Dream Web site, the lead organization for the annual Strategy Institute, and the developer and trainer for eSTATS, a Web-based tool that allows colleges to view their student data.
Workforce and Economic Development
AACC's Center for Workforce and Economic Development brings together community colleges with workforce boards, economic development entities, and other community organizations to improve the economic prosperity of communities and to promote best practices throughout the community college network. The center is supported by Lumina Foundation for Education, the Mott Foundation, Joyce Foundation, and the Grand Victoria Foundation.
Promoting Global Awareness
AACC provided opportunities for senior community college administrators to travel to India and China to promote understanding and encourage partnerships through a series of events and workshops.
Developing Community College Leaders
AACC offers myriad professional and network development opportunities, from the Presidents Academy Summer Institute and the AACC Annual Convention, to grant-supported events such as the Achieving the Dream Strategy Institute and national and regional service learning conferences and workshops.