From the Classroom to Congress: PAEA’s 2026 Spring Advocacy Trip
In mid-March, PA students and faculty from across the country gathered in Washington, DC, for PAEA’s 2026 Spring Advocacy Trip. The event offered participants a first-hand look at federal policymaking and provided an opportunity to develop practical skills for influencing legislation that shapes PA education and the broader health care workforce.
Attendees engaged in interactive training sessions led by experts from Polsinelli, LLC, and PAEA staff. These sessions explored the most urgent federal policy issues of 2026 and offered hands-on strategies for effectively communicating with members of Congress and their teams. Participants also received in-depth briefings on PAEA’s legislative priorities, preparing them to advocate with confidence on matters that directly affect PA programs and students nationwide.
Legislative Priorities
This year’s advocacy centered on two pivotal issues: protecting professional student loan eligibility for PA students by supporting the Professional Student Degree Act and securing additional federal funding for Title VII health workforce programs. Proposed Department of Education regulations could narrow the definition of professional students in spite of PA students meeting the definition under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act and reducing access to federal loans at a time when nearly half of PA students borrow over $100,000 to complete their training. Meanwhile, Title VII programs including Primary Care Training and Enhancement grants, Scholarships for Disadvantaged Students, and Area Health Education Centers play a critical role in supporting curriculum development, clinical training opportunities, and access to care in underserved areas. Preserving these programs and ensuring students can access sufficient federal loans is essential for maintaining a strong pipeline of qualified clinicians, especially in rural and underserved communities.
The 2026 Advocacy Trip highlighted the crucial role PA students and faculty play in influencing federal policy. Their engagement on Capitol Hill demonstrated the power of informed, collective advocacy in protecting educational opportunities and strengthening the nation’s health care system.
PAEA extends sincere appreciation to the students and faculty from Wake Forest University, Keck Graduate Institute, and the University of Southern California for their dedication and leadership in advancing the PA profession.
Beyond the trip itself, PAEA continues to empower its community through the Grassroots Action Network. Stakeholders can take action on pressing issues impacting PA students and the health workforce by urging their members of Congress to support the Professional Student Degree Act and advocating for increased federal funding for Title VII programs.
