On February 3rd, more than 800 students from across Texas gathered for Community College Day, a biennial event organized by the Texas Association of Community Colleges (TACC) to elevate student perspectives in the policymaking process. The Texas State Capitol was filled with energy, determination, and the voices of students who know firsthand the challenges and the value of pursuing higher education. Among them were members of the Texas Community College Student Advisory Council (SAC), a group of dedicated student leaders committed to shaping the policies that directly impact their educational journeys.

These students did more than show up — they spoke up. The week before, more than 130 students joined a virtual training led by SAC members to prepare for their visit to the Capitol and, for many, their first-ever meetings with elected officials. Students shared their stories and advocated for solutions in direct conversation with lawmakers, including continued investment in performance-based funding for community colleges under House Bill 8.

These students understand the stakes, with many juggling their coursework with jobs, family responsibilities, and financial pressures. They live the realities of higher education policy every day and when they share their stories, they make the case for change in a way that no report or statistic ever could.

During a student debrief session facilitated by SAC members, students shared some of their reflections from the day:

• “A highlight was meeting other wonderful, hard-working students and sharing our stories about how community colleges changed our lives. I was surprised by how open our legislators were about hearing our struggles as students.”
• “It was a great experience to learn about policymaking and advocate for community college.”
• “This is a day where the needs of students are shared directly and free of barriers. It’s an empowering learning experience.”
• “It was an awesome day. I learned how we as students can start to get involved in politics and how a small action can change the world.”

Andrea Thurston, senior higher education policy analyst for EdTrust in Texas, helped support SAC members at the Capitol. She says, “Too many students, particularly those from low-income backgrounds, first-generation students, and student parents, face barriers that make completing a degree or credential incredibly challenging. Despite balancing jobs, family responsibilities, and financial strain, students remain committed to their postsecondary journey. Texas must continue to do the same by ensuring the voices and experiences of students are at the center of their policy decisions.”

Texas Justice Fellows Visit with Legislators

Later that same week, two Texas members of EdTrust’s Justice Fellows Policy Program traveled to the marble floors of the Capitol. In meetings with their House and Senate representatives, Adam Lay and Arianna Mellinger brought valuable perspectives on the intersection of education and criminal justice, reinforcing the need for policies that support postsecondary and re-entry success for students — especially in rural communities.

“The meeting with my district was amazing,” Arianna said. “They were very receptive to hearing about postsecondary support and how it affects formerly incarcerated people in their communities.”

Adam and Arianna’s advocacy focused on the transformational impact of educational opportunities for students involved with the justice system. Their presence served as a powerful reminder that education is a pathway to opportunity for all Texans, regardless of background.

“I just had my first meeting with the district representative,” Adam said. “We went over the agenda for education and prison programming for formerly incarcerated and currently incarcerated individuals. They were very receptive to it, interested in it, and thanked us for the information we provided.”

Alexa Garza, a policy analyst with EdTrust in Texas, supported the Justice Fellow’s work at the Capitol. “Visiting our state capital provides the fellows, who were previously marginalized, an opportunity to reclaim their agency by fostering connections with legislative staff and gaining a deeper understanding of the legislative process.”

The Power of Student Advocacy

Policymaking can often feel distant and disconnected from the people it affects most. However, when students participate in the process, the conversations shift from abstract policy debates to real-life impact.

The impact of Community College Day and Justice Fellows’ legislative visits goes beyond a single day. When students engage in direct advocacy, they gain firsthand knowledge of the democratic process and grow as leaders capable of driving systemic change well into the future.

EdTrust is proud to stand with student advocates, amplifying their voices and supporting their efforts to create education systems that work for them, their peers, and future generations. One community college student leader said it best: “We are here to advocate for those that come after us and ensure a better future for them.”