Three advocacy student fellows sponsored by the Florida College Access Network (FCAN) traveled to Washington, D.C. earlier this month to participate in the National College Attainment Network’s (NCAN) 2025 Inaugural Leadership Summit. This marked the students’ first visit to the Nation’s Capital—and their first experience with federal education advocacy.
The two-day summit began with powerful panel discussions led by national higher education leaders and college access professionals. One standout session, “Promoting Quality Postsecondary Education and Career Pathways,” featured FCAN’s Executive Director Braulio Colón, who shared insights on improving student outcomes through collaboration and policy change. The day was filled with learning, inspiration, and community-building—captured in group photos with NCAN’s summit branding.
Student advocacy fellows, along with Chuck Tiernan of the Community Foundation Tampa Bay, Connie Huang, a University of Florida student, and Dr. Carjamin Scott, President of the Equalizer Foundation met with Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman staff, Lydia Colvin.
Day two brought advocacy into action as the students, accompanied by FCAN staff, headed to Capitol Hill for meetings with U.S. Senate and House of Representatives offices. The FCAN team followed NCAN’s advocacy guidance, engaging with targeted Florida legislators serving on education and budget committees.
During these meetings, the students shared personal stories about how federal student aid—including the Pell Grant—has helped them access higher education and how proposed funding cuts could impact thousands of students like them. They also advocated for maintaining the FAFSA support line, a critical resource in the financial aid process, and voiced strong support for programs like TRIO, which face potential funding threats.
“It felt empowering to share my story with people who have the power to make a difference,” said Ismaray Govea, Miami Dade College graduate and student at Florida International University. “I never imagined I’d be advocating on Capitol Hill—and now I want to keep going.”
FCAN emphasized how student voices play a critical role in shaping education policy.
“These students represent the future of Florida,” said Braulio Colón, FCAN’s executive director. “Their passion and lived experience are essential to informing decisions that impact access and success in higher education.”
As Congress enters the early stages of reconciliation—the process by which the federal budget is passed—the timing of these meetings was crucial. FCAN and NCAN remain committed to supporting policies that expand educational opportunity and ensure every student has a path to success.
Learn more about the summit and view the full agenda here.