Ahhhh, summer. The splash of the swimming pool. The taste of a delicious ice cream cone. Time to relax and unwind...
…And to host your member of Congress on campus while they are back home for the August Work Period!
Every summer when Congress is on recess, U.S. Representatives and Senators are working back home for the District/State Work Period. These lawmakers meet with constituents in a more comfortable environment and view the direct impact of the federal dollars they legislated in DC for their districts and states. This is a perfect chance for community college leaders and students to tell their story of how federal programs make a difference for student success and bringing good local jobs, and to make the ask for supporting community college legislation and funding. Showing members of Congress how federal programs are making an impact in their states and districts can build them into longtime champions for community colleges.
This year, funding for top community college priorities remains in the balance. The House Appropriations Committee passed its Labor-HHS-ED bill that protects the Pell Grant, increases the Strengthening Community Colleges Training Grants, protects Child Care Access Means Parents in School, but eliminates Adult Basic Education and slashes many other programs. The Senate is still negotiating its bill. Advocating now is how we protect critical programs for our students and the local economy.
New free ACCT resource: Top Talking Points for Community College Advocacy Visits: Pell Grants, Adult Basic Education, Strengthening Community Colleges Training Grants (SCCTG), and Child Care Access Means Parents in School (CCAMPIS)
Free ACCT resource: ACCT’s data showing top programs by college, district, and state.
Scroll below for the congressional calendar to plan your schedule and prepare your invitation.
NEW ACCT Members-Only Resource: ACCT has a new advocacy toolkit for members with tips for meeting with Members of Congress back home on campus, speaking at a program graduation any time of year, meeting in their district office, at a public event like a BBQ or parade, or even hosting a nonpartisan candidate forum with multiple candidates. Click here to view the toolkit on ACCT Connect, our members-only professional learning site.
Congressional Calendar 2026
Mapping out ahead of time when your Members of Congress will be home is critical to advocacy. Be sure to reach out to your member of Congress’s scheduler, legislative assistant covering education, and district director by email. Offer many time blocks, ideally when students will be present. Be sure to follow up by phone, as congressional offices often finalize schedules late. The House is out of DC and back home almost all of August, then back home Labor Day week. Senators are back home from August 7 through September 14. Both the House and Senate are back home again nearly all of October and the week of the election.
After the visit, be sure to share your photos and a recap with PublicPolicy@acct.org.
Thank you for your advocacy this summer!
Jonathan Elkin is the Director of Government Relations at ACCT.
