Policy Watch: Student Policy Summit and Hill Day at the 2026 Deans Annual Meeting

As the 2026 Deans Annual Meeting, Student Policy Summit, and Hill Day come to a close, we want to thank our AACN Advocates, members, and students for their engagement.

2026 Student Policy Summit (SPS)

SPS was attended by more than 240 baccalaureate and graduate nursing students from 117 schools throughout 44 states and Washington, DC. During the two-day event, students attended in-person sessions focused on the federal policy process and nursing’s role in professional advocacy. Presenters included representatives from the Health Resources and Services Administration, National Institute of Nursing Research, Congressional staff, a former member of Congress, and many more!

2026 Spring Hill Day

On March 31, more than 400 nursing deans and students from 47 states traveled to Capitol Hill to meet with Congressional staff about academic nursing priorities. We were also pleased to present the Advocate of the Year award to Dr. Stefanie La Manna, dean at Nova Southeastern University Ron and Kathy Assaf College of Nursing.

Thank you for another successful year advocating for nursing education, workforce, and research!

Federal Funding Opportunities

Recently announced HRSA funding opportunities have been delayed until late April. Updates are available for the following programs:

• Nurse Faculty Loan Program (NFLP)
• Nurse Education, Practice, Quality, and Retention - Transition to Practice Program (NEPQR-TPP)

AACN will continue to monitor these programs and share updates as they become available.

View all updates from Policy Watch