The National Career Development Association (NCDA) Government Relations Committee (GRC) is pleased to announce the recipients of the inaugural NCDA State Advocacy Grant Program, an initiative designed to strengthen the voice of career development through informed advocacy at the state level.
The competitive grant program provides financial support to NCDA state career development associations and groups of NCDA members in states or territories without an established career development association. Funded activities will support efforts to increase awareness of career development, strengthen relationships with policymakers and other decision-makers, expand advocacy knowledge and capacity, and create opportunities for meaningful public policy engagement.
The State Advocacy Grant Program follows the GRC's September 2026 Advocacy Summit, which brought together career development professionals from across the country for education, training, and discussion focused on advocacy and public policy engagement.
The grant program is part of the GRC's broader effort to help career development professionals develop the knowledge, relationships, and practical tools needed to participate in advocacy. Grant recipients are expected to complete their approved activities during the project period and share their experiences, outcomes, and lessons learned with the GRC and NCDA leadership.
Following a competitive review process, four awards were funded in the first round. A second round of funding will be opened during October and will be announced soon.
2026-2027 State Advocacy Grant Recipients
Maryland: Maryland Career Development Association (MCDA)
MCDA will host a three-hour hybrid Professional Development Institute preceding its April 2027 Annual Spring Conference. The institute will bring together congressional representatives and staff from Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, DC, along with environmental, higher education, and community partners, to explore regional workforce needs and sustainability-related career pathways across the Chesapeake Bay region. The project will produce advocacy resources and build cross-sector relationships to support continued regional advocacy.
Michigan: Michigan Career Development Association (MichCDA)
MichCDA will expand the reach of its November 2026 virtual mini-conference, "Advocating for Social & Economic Justice within the Career Ecosystem," to career development professionals and stakeholders beyond its current membership. The conference will build participants' knowledge of Michigan policy and their confidence in engaging policymakers. The project will also launch a Michigan Career Development Advocacy Toolkit, a public resource that will support ongoing advocacy and the development of a formal government relations structure.
Ohio Career Development Association (OCDA)
The OCDA will expand its annual Legislative Advocacy Day from a half-day to a full-day event at the Ohio Statehouse. The expanded program will give career development professionals from K-12, higher education, government, and the private sector more time for direct meetings with legislators and legislative aides, attendance at committee meetings, advocacy training, and conversations with partner organizations. Attendees will also share newly developed advocacy resources with policymakers to build lasting relationships.
Rhode Island: Rhode Island Career Development Association (RICDA)
RICDA will hold an event with members and policymakers to begin building relationships and creating awareness of career development in Rhode Island. As a new territory beginning its government relations and advocacy efforts, this meeting will provide an opportunity for members to engage directly with policymakers, introduce the value of career development, and begin establishing a foundation for future advocacy efforts.
The GRC thanks all applicants for their interest in strengthening advocacy for career development and recognizes the time, thought, and commitment reflected in the applications.
NCDA members interested in getting involved in advocacy can connect with the Government Relations Committee, participate in upcoming GRC activities and workstreams, and access NCDA's advocacy and legislative tracking resources. Visit the Advocacy section of the NCDA website, at www.NCDA.org for more information.
Sarah JanTausch & Steven Thomas
Co-Chairs, NCDA Government Relations Committee
governmentrelations@ncda.org