Higher Education Builds America
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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.
The American Council on Education (ACE) has developed policy recommendations to promote college affordability, support students, advance research, protect campus safety and free speech, and more. We pledge to work with the next administration to innovate and advance opportunity for all Americans.
Open Letter to Presidential Candidates
Section 2 Content
This memo signed by ACE President Ted Mitchell underscores the critical role higher education plays in building America and shaping the future of the country, and it calls for targeted federal action to support colleges and universities and our students.
September 16, 2024
ACE Calls for Policy Focus on Higher Education in Presidential Campaigns
In an open letter addressed to both presidential candidates, ACE has outlined a comprehensive set of policy recommendations aimed at leveraging U.S. colleges and universities to address 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 2024 Legislative and Regulatory Agenda
ACE's division of Government Relations and National Engagement's federal legislative and regulatory agenda for FY 2024 focuses on five 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
With Congress in a monthlong sprint, they explore a flurry of messaging bills along with the legislation lawmakers actually need to pass before heading out for full-time campaigning. They also discuss the Biden administration’s push to cement its higher education legacy. Finally, the conversation shifts to the 2024 presidential race, examining Kamala Harris and Donald Trump’s higher education agendas.
(Aired September 16, 2024)
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.
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Join the Conversation
ACE is committed to our colleges and universities and the basic fact that higher education builds America. We must and will deliver results. Join us as we strive to meet the challenges of this moment and build America together. #HigherEdBuildsAmerica
ACE Experience 2025
Join us for the ACE Experience 2025 (ACEx2025) at the iconic John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, DC on February 12–13, 2025 for a transformative event that will shape the future of higher education.
ACEx2025 will offer an unparalleled opportunity to examine higher education’s role in society now and in the future alongside visionary leaders from diverse fields. Designed for presidents, ACEx2025 sessions will focus on critical national and international issues that are impacting higher education.
REGISTER FOR ACEX2025
In The News
Read the full conversation between ACE's Nick Anderson and Sara Weissman of Inside Higher Ed about why ACE ran a full-page open letter in The New York Times to make this point: Higher education builds America.
Read the interview
Higher Education & National Affairs
To learn more about how ACE’s work helps higher education build America, sign up to receive the weekly
Higher Education & National Affairs email newsletter.
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