When: November 9, 2026, 3:00 p.m. (ET) Register here. The AACC government relations team will review the 2026 midterm elections outcomes and discuss their implications for community colleges. What would a change in political control of one or both chambers of Congress mean for our institutions? Who might some of the key leaders be in […]
Webinar: How the Federal Grant-Making Process May Change
When: October 28, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. (ET) Register here. Join the AACC government relations team October 28 for a close examination of recent regulatory proposals and other developments that portend great changes to how federal grants are made (and have had some impacts already). Topics will include the proposed OMB Guidance and Dept. of […]
Community College Minute, October 5, 2026
Washington Watch Weekly, October 2, 2026
ED releases final FY 23 Cohort Default Rates The Education Department on Wednesday released the final fiscal year 2023 (FY 2023) Cohort Default Rates (CDR). As a reminder, the CDR refers to the share of federal student loan borrowers who enter repayment and default within three years. As covered in the Community College Daily, CDRs […]
Washington Watch Weekly, September 25, 2026
Accreditation comments submitted The American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) this week submitted formal comments in response to the Education Department’s (ED) proposed accreditation regulations. As covered in Community College Daily, AACC supports the proposal’s transfer-of-credit provisions, which would require institutions to explain why credits are not accepted, helping ensure greater transparency and fairness for […]
Washington Watch Weekly, September 18, 2026
Senate Agriculture Committee approves Farm Bill with new funding for community colleges This week, the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry approved its proposal for a 2026 reauthorization of the Farm Bill – the Agricultural Act of 2026 – on a party-line vote. The bill is expected to be voted on when the Senate […]
Washington Watch Weekly, September 11, 2026
ED training sessions on Workforce Pell, student loan default prevention The Department of Education (ED) this week announced a series of new trainings designed to help campus administrators navigate changes related to Workforce Pell and their responsibilities to prevent student loan defaults. The first Dear Colleague Letter (DCL) announces a new Office of Federal Student […]
Washington Watch Weekly, September 4, 2026
Congress passes stopgap funding bill through December The House on Tuesday approved a continuing resolution (CR) to fund the government through Dec. 11. The measure, which was previously passed by the Senate, was quickly signed into law by President Trump on Wednesday. Congress is required to pass annual appropriations bills to fund discretionary defense and […]
Washington Watch Weekly, August 14, 2026
Advocate during August recess Each year, Congress takes August off so members can hear from constituents. The August recess is an important opportunity for community college leaders to connect with members of Congress, share the important work taking place on your campus and advocate for continued investment in the community college sector. We encourage campus […]
Parents explain how they got kids through college without breaking the bank
Students should have skin in the game, pick schools that don’t mean maxing out loans and explore options at community colleges, these parents say.