iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

We’re excited to share our 2026-27 Student Fellow Cohort! Through our MI Student Advocacy Fellowship, students across MI spend a year building policy research, analysis, and advocacy skills while exploring barriers to accessing, affording, and completing higher ed. buff.ly/qDtoKWN

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TICAS @ticas-org.bsky.social · 07/10/2026

There's a lot of talk about college affordability. But what does that actually feel like when you’re inside the system? buff.ly/eQsjOHF

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TICAS @ticas-org.bsky.social · 05/10/2026

“Roughly 1 in 4 college students experience food insecurity, and the OBBBA’s historic cuts to SNAP will make it harder for students at or near poverty to access federal food assistance,” said TICAS' Valerie Crespin-Trujillo, Sr Director of College Completion & Basic Needs.

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TICAS @ticas-org.bsky.social · 03/10/2026

Your experience with higher ed can help shape a better system. Share your experience here: buff.ly/yZ5iqF8

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TICAS @ticas-org.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

2/2 It provides institutions with the ability to innovate, implement, & evaluate the efficacy of wraparound resources that address their students’ basic needs insecurity from a holistic lens. buff.ly/YHcLJEu

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Press Releases | U.S. Congresswoman Norma Torres of California's 35th District

The Official U.S. Congressional website of Congresswoman Norma Torres

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TICAS @ticas-org.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

1/2 Last week, Rep. Norma Torres & Sen. Alex Padilla reintroduced the Basic Assistance for Students in College, the BASIC Act, which we are proud to endorse.

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Press Releases | U.S. Congresswoman Norma Torres of California's 35th District

The Official U.S. Congressional website of Congresswoman Norma Torres

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TICAS @ticas-org.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

3/3 Our new report examines key actions rural-serving institutions are taking and offers recommendations for policymakers to improve student success for parenting students.

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TICAS @ticas-org.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

2/3 Parenting students face significant barriers to postsecondary success, such as difficulty securing adequate and affordable childcare and covering their family’s basic needs.

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TICAS @ticas-org.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

1/3 As Student Parent Month comes to an end, we are highlighting how rural-serving institutions can better support parenting students to the finish line: buff.ly/C7LLiCK

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TICAS @ticas-org.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

2/2 Zampini says most borrowers should receive their notices by email, but some may get a letter in the mail. Borrowers should make sure their contact information is current with their servicer and on their StudentAid.gov account. More from CNBC here: buff.ly/XYVqoFY

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Federal Student Aid

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TICAS @ticas-org.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

1/2 Earlier this month, #HigherEd affordability expert Michele Zampini spoke with CNBC about how borrowers exiting SAVE may face sharply higher payments if they don’t take action soon.

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TICAS @ticas-org.bsky.social · 27/09/2026

Trying to stay caught up on the latest in higher ed? We’ve got you. Stay in the loop by subscribing to our mailing list for federal policy news, state policy updates, and more: buff.ly/oldoo4m

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TICAS @ticas-org.bsky.social · 26/09/2026

There's a lot of talk about college affordability. But what does that actually feel like when you’re inside the system? buff.ly/eQsjOHF

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TICAS @ticas-org.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

2/2 The Rural Reconnect Data Explorer provides data on rural populations, postsec attainment, & rural-serving institutions, bringing key info together in one place for policymakers, researchers, & higher ed leaders. ▶️ Data Explorer: buff.ly/QA4HTYP ▶️ Rural Reconnect Initiative: buff.ly/aTZzyaW

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Data Tool Testing - The Institute for College Access & Success

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TICAS @ticas-org.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

1/2 Our Rural Reconnect Initiative includes a new interactive tool to help us better understand the rural higher education landscape.

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TICAS @ticas-org.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

3/3 The resources bring together research, data, and examples from the field, including recommendations for policymakers and emerging initiatives for institutions. Explore the Rural Reconnect Initiative: buff.ly/aTZzyaW

A photo of farmland overlaid with images of the covers of TICAS' 4 new Rural Reconnect Initiative Resources

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TICAS @ticas-org.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

2/3 Last year, we debuted our Rural Reconnect Initiative, a national effort to advance college completion and economic mobility for rural learners across the South and Southwest. Now, we’re excited to share new resources.

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TICAS @ticas-org.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

1/3 Did you know that nearly 14% of the U.S. population lives in rural communities? Yet the experiences of rural communities are often overlooked in research and policy conversations.

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TICAS @ticas-org.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

If you have federal student loans, you may be overwhelmed by the barrage of announcements and information coming your way. Our Borrower Resource Hub outlines what we know, what we don’t, and some trusted resources to reference if you have more questions or need help. Access the hub: buff.ly/qdXZkCz

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TICAS @ticas-org.bsky.social · 20/09/2026

September is Student Parent Month. Student parents deserve the resources and support they need to succeed in college. When student parents’ basic needs are met, they are more likely to complete college and unlock opportunities for economic mobility. buff.ly/6O1zGF2

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TICAS @ticas-org.bsky.social · 19/09/2026

2/2 That’s why we’re calling on Governor Hochul to quickly sign the Private Education Loan Protections Bill (S.5598/A.4922C) to strengthen protections for borrowers and cosigners. Listen to the full conversation here: buff.ly/mJjPzp1

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Imposing state guardrails on private student loans

In response to increased demand for private student loans, state lawmakers are pushing additional consumer protections. Our guest is Kirsten Keefe.

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TICAS @ticas-org.bsky.social · 19/09/2026

1/2 ICYMI: TICAS’ Kirsten Keefe recently chatted with the Capitol Pressroom about the need to strengthen protections for private education loan borrowers and cosigners as limits on federal student loan financing take effect.

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TICAS @ticas-org.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

Trying to stay caught up on the latest in higher ed? We’ve got you. Stay in the loop by subscribing to our mailing list for federal policy news, state policy updates, and more: buff.ly/oldoo4m

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TICAS @ticas-org.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

September is Student Parent Month. With nearly 1 in 5 undergraduate students being parents, parenting students deserve the resources they need to succeed in higher education. For more on why policymakers should invest in basic needs resources for parenting students, read our blog: buff.ly/yfiDNJH

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TICAS @ticas-org.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

What barriers did you face that had nothing to do with academics? buff.ly/eQsjOHF

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TICAS @ticas-org.bsky.social · 13/09/2026

Trying to stay caught up on the latest in higher ed? We’ve got you. Stay in the loop by subscribing to our mailing list for federal policy news, state policy updates, and more: buff.ly/oldoo4m

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TICAS @ticas-org.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

September is Student Parent Month. Supporting parenting students through #HigherEd allows them to access the opportunities a degree can unlock. More here: buff.ly/zVlyho3

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TICAS @ticas-org.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

2/2 That’s why we’re calling on Governor Hochul to quickly sign the Private Education Loan Protections Bill (S.5598/A.4922C) to strengthen these protections and ensure borrowers and cosigners have the protections they need. Listen to the full convo here: buff.ly/8nOz5dX

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Imposing state guardrails on private student loans

In response to increased demand for private student loans, state lawmakers are pushing additional consumer protections. Our guest is Kirsten Keefe.

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TICAS @ticas-org.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

1/2 TICAS’ Kirsten Keefe recently chatted with the Capitol Pressroom about the need to strengthen protections for private education loan borrowers as limits on federal student loan financing take effect.

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TICAS @ticas-org.bsky.social · 08/09/2026

What barriers did you face that had nothing to do with academics? buff.ly/eQsjOHF

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TICAS @ticas-org.bsky.social · 07/09/2026

This month is Parenting Students Month. More than half of parenting students leave college without completing a degree or credential, underscoring the need for resources that help them cross the finish line. buff.ly/zVlyho3

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TICAS @ticas-org.bsky.social · 07/09/2026

Your experience with higher ed can help shape a better system. Share your story here: buff.ly/yZ5iqF8

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TICAS @ticas-org.bsky.social · 04/09/2026

1/2 September is Parenting Students Month. With nearly 1 in 5 undergraduate students being parents, parenting students deserve the resources they need to succeed in higher education.

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TICAS @ticas-org.bsky.social · 03/09/2026

At TICAS, research guides our policy recommendations and shapes our work to advance more affordable, equitable, and accountable policies for students and borrowers in #HigherEd. Stay connected through our mailing list for federal policy news, state policy updates, and more: buff.ly/oldoo4m

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TICAS @ticas-org.bsky.social · 02/09/2026

ICYMI, last week the California Legislature passed AB 1534, establishing key Workforce Pell safeguards for students in programs participating in the new federal program. Now, we urge Governor Newsom to sign AB 1534 and put California students first.

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TICAS @ticas-org.bsky.social · 31/08/2026

Your experience with higher ed can help shape a better system. Share your experience here: buff.ly/yZ5iqF8

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TICAS @ticas-org.bsky.social · 29/08/2026

ICYMI: Michigan has an opportunity to do more to help boys see a future for themselves in #HigherEd. TICAS’ TeAsia Jordan says that Michigan needs to invest in the educators, resources, and supports that give every student a stronger path to success. buff.ly/I5Jeqvl

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TICAS @ticas-org.bsky.social · 28/08/2026

2/2 We applaud Author Jacqui Irwin, Coauthor Juan Alanis, Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas, and Senate President Pro-Tempore Monique Limón for their leadership. To get this bill across the finish line, we urge Governor Newsom to sign AB 1534 and put California students first.

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TICAS @ticas-org.bsky.social · 28/08/2026

1/2 California is making great strides in protecting students. The California Legislature has passed AB 1534, establishing key Workforce Pell safeguards for students in programs participating in the new federal program.

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TICAS @ticas-org.bsky.social · 27/08/2026

Want to get connected on all things #HigherEd? Join our mailing list for federal policy updates, state policy news, new resources, and more. Sign up here: buff.ly/oldoo4m

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TICAS @ticas-org.bsky.social · 25/08/2026

How can Michigan help more boys see themselves in #HigherEd? TICAS’ TeAsia Jordan says it starts with investing in the teachers, resources, and supports that will help all students succeed. Read the op-ed here: www.crainsdetroit.com/forum/cdb-bo...

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TICAS @ticas-org.bsky.social · 24/08/2026

What barriers did you face that had nothing to do with academics? buff.ly/eQsjOHF

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TICAS @ticas-org.bsky.social · 23/08/2026

Did you know that, for the first time in Medicaid’s history, the program will mandate participation in work, education, or community service as a condition of receiving health benefits? This creates new hurdles for students already balancing school, work, and basic needs. buff.ly/9m3D36d

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TICAS @ticas-org.bsky.social · 22/08/2026

Earlier this week, TICAS’ Kirsten Keefe chatted with Spectrum about how the SNAP for Students Act could help address food insecurity in New York, giving students the support they need to focus on pursuing their degrees rather than struggling to meet their basic needs. buff.ly/qGgCmHc

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TICAS @ticas-org.bsky.social · 20/08/2026

Our analysis last year showed that some borrowers on the SAVE plan could see their payments increase by more than $400 per month if they are transferred to the new Repayment Assistance Plan. More from Forbes here on how borrowers are faring under these changes: www.forbes.com/advisor/stud...

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TICAS @ticas-org.bsky.social · 18/08/2026

The SNAP for Students Act would help address food insecurity in NY, allowing students to focus on pursuing their degrees rather than struggling to meet their basic needs. TICAS’ NY Sr Director, Kirsten Keefe, says it would be a win for both schools & students. Read the full story: buff.ly/qGgCmHc

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TICAS @ticas-org.bsky.social · 16/08/2026

There's a lot of talk about college affordability. But what does that actually feel like when you’re inside the system? buff.ly/eQsjOHF

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TICAS @ticas-org.bsky.social · 15/08/2026

ICYMI: For the first time in Medicaid’s history, the program will mandate participation in work, education, or community service in exchange for receiving health benefits, creating new hurdles for students already balancing school, work, and basic needs. Learn more here: buff.ly/9m3D36d

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