National Student Council Brings Federal Education Priorities to Capitol Hill

On October 28, student leaders from the National Student Council (NSC), representing millions of their peers, head to Capitol Hill to meet with members of Congress and staff. The NSC, a flagship program of the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP), is composed of middle and high school students elected by councils in schools nationwide.

"Being able to sit across the table from lawmakers and inform them directly with not just our stories but ones that are representative of millions of students is powerful," said Chris Tao, a junior at Lincoln High School in Sioux Falls, SD, and the NSC's vice president of communications. "Student voices are often missing from education policy discussions, but we live these realities every day. We want Congress to know that investments in school safety, mental health and quality educators are not abstract issues, but affect our lives every single day."

The 28 student leaders-representing 21 states, the District of Columbia, Guam and Puerto Rico-will share their perspectives on critical issues facing schools, including increased federal support for education, strengthening school safety and expanding mental health resources for students and educators.

"When these student leaders speak, they speak for their peers nationwide," said NASSP CEO Ronn Nozoe. "Their voices remind Congress that decisions about funding and policy determine whether students feel safe, supported and ready to learn. NASSP is proud to support them as they champion the future of education on the Hill."

The NSC's Legislative Agenda calls on Congress to:

• Maintain or expand funding for Title I to support schools serving high percentages of students from low-income families.

• Maintain Title II and Title IV funding for trauma-informed instruction and training, school safety and mental health supports.

• Fulfill the federal government's promise to fully fund the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.

• Bolster support for Career and Technical Education programs to prepare students for 21st-century careers.

The full agenda is linked here.

For more information about the National Student Council, visit natstuco.org.