Higher Education Builds America
Section 1 Content
Our nation faces numerous challenges, such as growing economic and military competition abroad and a rapidly evolving economy that requires new ways of learning and working. The key to unlocking America’s potential lies in strengthening and utilizing our world-leading colleges and universities. This is because of one simple truth: Higher education builds America.
However, to make effective changes at the local and national levels, we need your help. Join ACE in this campaign by becoming a member, sharing the #higheredbuildsamerica message, and standing with us as we continue to advocate for higher education!
Become an ACE Member
Building the future of America is impossible without our nation’s higher education institutions. By joining ACE you can ensure you’re on the front lines of change and innovation in higher ed.
Join Us for dotEDU Live
Talking about these issues is not just important—it’s necessary. Be part of the conversation: Sign up for dotEDU Live updates to join our hosts as they unpack the latest higher education policy moves live from DC.
Help Us Build
Show America how you build higher education and join ACE on social media using our hashtag #higheredbuildsamerica. Download our toolkit of social images and facts to help create and share your story.
Open Letter to President-elect Trump
Section 2 Content
ACE President Ted Mitchell urges the incoming administration to recognize the critical role America’s colleges and universities can play in tackling the nation’s most pressing challenges.
Section 3 Content
ACE leads the higher education community to advance the fundamental principles of higher education. These principles emphasize access and success; the pursuit of knowledge; and the enrichment of the civic, democratic, and economic vibrancy of the United States.
ACE 2025 Legislative and Regulatory Agenda
ACE's division of Government Relations and National Engagement's federal legislative and regulatory agenda for FY 2025 focuses on four key areas.
September 30, 2024
SAA Urges Administration to Boost Student Aid in FY 2026
The Student Aid Alliance is asking the administration to provide robust increases for federal student aid in its FY 2026 budget proposal.
Section 4 Content
The Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights has issued a sweeping directive declaring that race-conscious student programs, financial aid, and support services violate federal civil rights law—giving colleges just 14 days to comply. ACE President Ted Mitchell joins hosts Jon Fansmith, Sarah Spreitzer, and Mushtaq Gunja to discuss the implications for campuses. (Aired February 19, 2025)
Section 5 Content
In response to an increasingly complicated environment for higher education, ACE's Office on National Engagement developed a webinar series aimed at strengthening critical engagement between higher education and its state governments, communities, and residents. Each webinar brings together a panel of experts to explore ways that higher education institutions build America by contributing in their communities and discuss why fostering local connections is critical to the future of postsecondary education.
April 8, 2024
Advancing Higher Education in Our States: The Case for Engagement
This is the first webinar in the Advancing Higher Education in Our States series, which is designed to strengthen engagement between higher education and its community. Local connections are critical to the future of postsecondary education.
May 22, 2024
Growing Business Leaders and Societal Problem-Solvers
This is the second webinar in the Advancing Higher Education in Our States series. A panel will discuss the state of business education; state-based policy challenges to diversity, equity, and inclusion in higher education; and more.