The Association of University Centers on Disability (AUCD) and Think College National Coordinating Center (NCC) are happy to announce this opportunity to learn and practice policy advocacy skills is once again available to students and staff of inclusive higher education programs. If you or someone you know works for or attends a postsecondary education program for students with intellectual disability, you can apply to be a Think College Policy Advocate (TCPA).

Think College Policy Advocate teams are made up of one student and one staff member. 

This is an opportunity for passionate advocates, self-advocates, experts, and professionals in the field to come together and learn about key issues that affect them most. In addition to learning and training, attendees will have an opportunity to meet with their Members of Congress on Capitol Hill.

Teams will participate in pre-conference online webinars in September and October and attend an in-person event. The in-person event will be held in Washington, DC, in conjunction with the AUCD Conference from November 5-8, 2023. A stipend will be provided for each trainee to assist in covering the cost of travel and hotel stay.

Up to 10 teams will be selected. Teams must be interested in learning more about public policy and be able to commit fully to the following online and in person activities:

• Participate in a series of group calls to prepare all teams for the training and advocacy on Capitol Hill
• Attend TCPA in-person event November 5-8 in Washington D.C.
• Develop a 1-2 page document about their program, students’ success, and its impact that students that students and staff can share with policymakers.
• Participate in a Think College Emerging Advocates call to discuss topics of interest in inclusive higher education with other TCPAs.
• Subscribe to AUCD’s weekly newsletter on policy in Washington DC, Disability Policy News, or AUCD’s YouTube series Tuesdays with Liz.
• Provide feedback and and share lessons learned with AUCD to support future advocates.

Click here for a full program description, application form, and template for a recommendation letter. Applications are due by April 24, 2023; teams will be contacted on or about May 19, 2023. If you have any questions or need help with the application, please contact Caroline Jurisich at AUCD: [email protected].