Membership Dues Now Free for Public Schools

Membership Dues Now Free for Public Schools

PNACAC recognizes the vital role that public school counselors and those engaged in college advising in the public school setting play in preparing young people for college. PNACAC's overall membership will be enhanced through an increase in public school membership. There has been a great deal of discussion over the years regarding how PNACAC can engage with the demographic that works with the greatest number of students who are exploring their post-secondary options. This decision was made by the Executive Board of PNACAC to address a long standing membership access issue, and not in response to the COVID-19 Pandemic. Annual membership for public high schools now only requires a sign-up or renewal process - no dues - and provides access to resources, professional development opportunities, government advocacy efforts and more!

 

What decision was made?

After years of thought and discussion, the PNACAC Executive Board voted unanimously on March 12, 2020 to allow public school members in the PNACAC region to join or renew their membership at no cost, effective July 1, 2020. The rates for membership dues are located in the Policy and Procedures Manual (PPM). Changes to the PPM must be approved by a vote of the Executive Board.

Why was this decision made?

PNACAC recognizes the historical underrepresentation of public schools in our association. For the 2019-2020 membership year, 61 public high schools were members of PNACAC, which represents less than 6% of all public high schools in the PNACAC region. This is typical for a membership year.

There has been a great deal of discussion over the years regarding how PNACAC can engage with the demographic that works with the greatest number of students who are exploring their post-secondary options. This decision was made to address a long standing membership access issue, and not in response to the COVID-19 Pandemic.

PNACAC recognizes the vital role that public school counselors and those engaged in college advising play in preparing young people for college. PNACAC's overall membership will be enhanced through an increase in public school membership.

This decision reflects the importance of a robust representation of public schools in our association, and recognizes the lack of professional development funding available in most public schools. PNACAC draws membership from five states: Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington where many school districts are under-resourced and/or rural.

What are the implications of this decision?

PNACAC recognizes that not only school counselors are involved in college admission advising. Membership in PNACAC is by institution/organization, an inclusive model that values all professionals working with students (i.e. school counselors, career center specialists, AVID teachers, administrators, etc.), all of whom may be included in the school’s membership.

Membership dues account for 9% of the overall PNACAC revenue.

Increasing the membership of public school professionals will allow access to professional development programs that will enhance the delivery of college admission counseling services to the greatest number of students.

Additionally, PNACAC is asking for the assistance of all members to reach out to public school professionals and share with them the benefits of membership. PNACAC will continue to develop and evaluate professional development opportunities for members.

What about other membership categories? Will they be up for consideration?

PNACAC is grateful for all of the member segments of our association. The Executive Board is not considering any other changes to membership dues at this time. The intent of this decision is to increase the number of members in public schools, which, as indicated above, has been severely underrepresented.

I haven’t been a member of PNACAC before. Why should I join and how do I sign up?

Membership in PNACAC provides individuals access to resources and tools to help guide students effectively in the college admission process. Access to email newsletters and alerts, government advocacy activities, webinars, as well as a discounted registration rate for the PNACAC annual conference, are all benefits of membership. In addition, public school employees who are members of PNACAC are eligible for professional development scholarship consideration. PNACAC has long been known as an association of collegiality and the support of this professional network is valued.

The membership year runs July 1-June 30. Due to restructuring efforts of the membership form, the application for 2020-2021 membership will open on or before August 1, 2020. Please watch your email and this website for more information.

 

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