At the core of USSA's mission statement is the belief that those directly impacted by issues should be the ones proposing and fight for the solutions.  In higher education, who better to shape public policy than students?  To bring about real and lasting change in college affordability and access, students must organize strategically around supporting student aid reform and opposing divestment from higher education on state and campus levels.

Sound overwhelming? It's not!  Simply click on the campaigns below to learn how you can get involved:

Where's the Funding?! | DREAM Act |SLAP| The Movement

Where's the Funding?!

Each year, students have to fight tooth-and-nail on both the state and federal level to make government invested in fully funding and supporting higher education.  It's politically popular for elected officials to advocate for college students and higher education funding because everyone wants to look like the hero of underrepresented young people going to college.  However, most politicians are silent when it comes to education budgets getting slashed.  Therefore, it's up to us, the students, to ask our elected officials "where's the funding?!"  At a time when the road to socio-economic justice for our communities, personal fulfillment, and a thriving civic society is increasingly tied to higher education, where's the funding to ensure that this path is clear of all unnecessary barriers?

Not only are we asking these questions, we're proposing solutions.  USSA's "Where's the Funding" campaign will connect state and federal budget cuts to the larger student movement, so that we raise a strong national voice on behalf of higher education.  Our ultimate goal is to propose federal legislation that will make higher education a right.  Will you join this historic effort?

Click here to read more about WTF?

The DREAM Act

The DREAM Act would throw open the college doors for thousands of undocumented youth.  USSA has been a leading advocate and organizer for the DREAM Act since it was first introduced in 2001.  Students have successfully kept this legislation alive, and along with it, the dreams of a college education for thousands of their immigrant peers.

 While Congress failed to pass the DREAM Act after a razor-thin vote in the Senate, students will continue to fight for this vital piece of legislation until it finally becomes law!

Click here to take action on the DREAM Act

Student Labor Action Project

The Student Labor Action Project (SLAP) is a joint initiative of Jobs with Justice and the United States Student Association that engages student organizations in economic justice campaigns. JwJ coalitions around the country house local SLAPs that connect students from multiple campuses. SLAP supports the growing student movement for economic justice by making links between campus and community organizing, providing skills training to build lasting student organizations, and developing campaigns that win concrete victories for working families while breaking the poverty cycle by fighting for access to higher education and full and fair employment.

Click here to read more about SLAP and find out how to get involved!

Be a part of the Movement to make Education a Right!

"Talk is cheap...It is the way we organize and use our lives everyday that tells what we believe in."

-Cesar Chavez

Students everywhere are struggling to pay for college.  Many complain, and rightfully so.  But change will occur only when that frustration and passion is channel into effective organizing. 

Join USSA and become a part of a national, and global, movement to make education a fundamental, human right for everyone.

For more information on USSA campaigns contact USSA National Field Director Gaby Madriz:

od@usstudents.org | (202) 640-6576