About NLS
The National Legislative Summit is the premier community college advocacy event in Washington, DC, bringing together more than 1,000 community college leaders. The event shines a spotlight on the importance of our nation’s community colleges for Congress and the Administration.
The National Legislative Summit is designed to inform and educate community college leaders on federal policy issues that impact postsecondary institutions and students. National Legislative Summit participants will hear from members of U.S. Congress, administration officials, leading political analysts, and other high-profile speakers about the current climate in D.C., recent elections, and legislative issues impacting community colleges.
Participants also have the opportunity to network with fellow community college leaders and meet with their U.S. representatives in Congress to advocate for their support for community colleges and their students.
2026 Community College National Legislative Summit Brochure
(schedule, keynote speakers, event & hotel registration rates and deadlines)
NEW FEATURE!
Employer Partnerships
ACCT encourages college leaders to invite a representative from an employer that relies on your graduates for talent pipeline. Particularly strong examples are graduates from programs supported by federal investment such as SIP or MSI grants, Strengthening Community College Training Grants, or programs with a large proportion of students using support services such as CCAMPIS, Pell, or SNAP Employment & Training.
The role of federal investment in our colleges and to our students is not just about benefit to the individual student or institution. It builds financial stronger families and provides pipelines that support the growth of regional economies.
Help us bring this message to Congress by having employers join you and your students on Capitol Hill this February! Employer Partner registration fee is $675 per person (meals not included).
Registration Information
MEMBER PRICING
PACKAGES | Early Bird Registration Package: $800 | After Dec. 19th Registration Package: $950 | Student Registration Package: $510 |
FEE ONLY | Early Bird Registration Fee Only: $575 | After Dec. 19th Registration Fee Only: $725 | Student Registration Fee Only: $290 |
PACKAGES INCLUDE TICKETS FOR THE MONDAY LUNCHEON, TUESDAY DINNER, AND WEDNESDAY CLOSING BREAKFAST. * IF YOUR COLLEGE BOARD OR ORGANIZATION IS NOT A MEMBER OF ACCT OR AACC, PLEASE ADD $200 TO REGISTRATION TOTAL.
Additional Tickets and Pre-Conference Academies
Advocacy Leadership Academy (Sunday, February 8th) | $175 (includes lunch) This academy is designed to enhance trustees’, presidents’, and other community college leaders’ advocacy skills and knowledge of federal higher education policy. |
New Trustee Academy (Sunday, February 8th) | $175 (includes lunch) This all-day intensive workshop is designed to orient new trustees, their presidents, and professional board staff members. This is a unique opportunity to gain insight on the roles and responsibilities of being an effective trustee at your college. |
General Session Luncheon (Monday, February 9th) | $70 |
Awards Dinner & Entertainment (Tuesday, February 10th) | $105 |
Closing Breakfast (Wednesday, February 11th) | $50 |
Accommodations
Washington Marriott Marquis
Standard Room at Group Rate: $333
Hotel Deadline: January 15th, 2026
Courtyard by Marriott Washington Downtown/Convention Center
Standard Room at Group Rate: $299
Hotel Deadline: January 15th, 2026