April 3, 2024

Leading the news this week: Happy Community College Month! The 2024 #CCMonth theme is "Cultivating Skills for the Future." Don't forget to checkout our toolkit here.  

Now let's dive into the latest news in higher education!

IRS Direct File Program Outreach

Direct File is a new, free tool from the IRS that allows eligible taxpayers to securely file their taxes directly with the IRS. Available in English and Spanish, it allows individuals to securely file their taxes online, with live chat support and assistance from IRS specialists.

The program is intended for individuals with simple tax returns, such as W-2 filers. Currently piloted in 12 states, it's estimated that 19 million people are eligible to use this tool. Given the prevalence of straightforward tax situations among community college students and members, Direct File could be a valuable resource for our community.

As the filing deadline approaches on April 15, and with over 50% of filers expected to submit within the last two weeks, we are encouraging our members in Arizona, California, Florida, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Nevada, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington and Wyoming to help promote the program to their students: 

• Share information about Direct File with your community via email or text message.
• Include information about Direct File in upcoming newsletter distributions to your networks.
• Post a link to Direct File (directfile.irs.gov) on your website
• Include a presentation or information about Direct File in an existing event or meeting.

Those interested can access the IRS' outreach resources including fact sheets, videos, and social media graphics here.  

Gainful Employment Update 

Last month, ACCT joined several higher education organizations in a letter to the Department of Education (ED), requesting a delay in the gainful employment reporting requirements due to extensive delays with FAFSA and the necessity to prioritize attention on aid packages. To reach the full letter, click here.

Last week, ED posted an electronic announcement announcing they will postpone the GE reporting deadline from July 31 to October 1. They subsequently published a Dear Colleague post providing a detailed overview of the Financial Transparency and Gainful Employment provisions. 

EPA Call for Applications for HBCU-MSI Advisory Council

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that it will be seeking applications to serve on the newly established Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Minority Serving Institutions Advisory Council (HBCU-MSI AC). The HBCU-MSI Advisory Council will provide independent advice and recommendations to Administrators on how HBCUs and MSIs can help identify any barriers to equal employment opportunity, nurture the next generation of environmental leaders, and ensure that these vital institutions of higher learning have the resources and support to thrive for generations to come. 

EPA will host two webinars to provide more information about this call for applications:

• Tuesday, April 09, 2024 at 3:00 p.m. ET // Register here
• Wednesday, April 24, 2024 at 3:00 p.m. ET // Register here

For more information on the council and how to apply, visit the EPA HBCU-MSI Advisory Council webpage .

Maximizing Federal Resources: Insights from FY 2024 & Looking Ahead to FY 2025 Appropriations

Join the public policy team of the Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT) for a timely conversation regarding federal appropriations on April 11, 2024 at 2:00 pm ET.

In his webinar, we'll delve into insights from FY 2024's final allocation levels and their impact on key programs. Plus, our panel of community college leaders, who have successfully secured community funding projects, will share tips for navigating and preparing for community funding projects in FY 2025 to help enhance your institution's application process. Register here. 

• April 5 - deadline to students to apply for Fall 2024 White House Internship Program
• April 11 - Maximizing Federal Resources: Insights from FY 2024 & Looking Ahead to FY 2025 Appropriations Webinar
• April 25 - deadline to apply for Distressed Area Recompete Pilot Program

Outreach Efforts

Is your institution meeting or hosting an event with federal elected officials?

We created a Congressional Contact Form that will help us track outreach efforts of community college leaders across our membership. By filling out the form, you are better informing ACCT's advocacy efforts and our advocacy team is able to continue those conversations with congressional staff in DC. 

ACCT NOW is the go-to resource for issues affecting community colleges. Our new website features original reporting and research, as well as of-the-moment legislative updates. ACCT NOW also includes articles, reports, and research from outside sources that benefit the ACCT community. Read the Latest Articles on ACCT NOW:

Have a Question?

Contact us with any questions or concerns about public policy and ACCT's advocacy on behalf of two-year colleges and two-year college trustees. ACCT's Latest Action in Washington alerts are sent to interested ACCT members to keep you up to date on important legislative activities that impact community colleges.

If you no longer wish to receive ACCT's Latest Action in Washington alerts, reply to this email with UNSUBSCRIBE in the subject line. For more information about ACCT's advocacy services, visit acct.org/advocacy

Spread the Word.

Please encourage your fellow trustees, presidents and colleagues to stay up to date about legislation that affects their community colleges by joining the Latest Action in Washington (LAW) Alert network. To join, simply register here. 

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