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Michael M. Gaynor Counselor Assistance Grant Program

MMGOne way PACAC supports its members is by providing grants to help in the professional development of those serving in some capacity of PACAC’s mission. 

The Counselor Assistance Program (CAP) Grants were named after Michael M. Gaynor in June 2026 at the PACAC Annual Conference. In August of 2024, Michael M. Gaynor, the late Executive Director of Admission at Villanova University, passed away at the age of 66. His impact in the admission profession was profound, and can be seen through the lasting impression that he has made in PACAC, the Villanova community, and beyond. Gaynor believed that everyone deserved to have the opportunity to grow and learn in our profession, and he actively supported  professional development programs publicly, while also impacting so many on a personal and individual level. The Michael M. Gaynor CAP Grants embody that same spirit by helping members access meaningful professional development opportunities, invest in their own growth, and, in turn, strengthen our profession and the work we do with students. 

Counselors whose institution or organization cannot provide financial support are able to apply  for a Michael M. Gaynor CAP Grant toward PACAC membership, any PACAC professional development event, or the NACAC Annual Conference. A Committee reviews all applications according to the specified deadlines (below) and responds to each applicant with a decision.

Benefits of PACAC Membership:

  • Access to FREE online workshops and their recordings
  • Free participation in the Advocacy Leadership Program, the Ethical Leadership Program, and the College Counseling Education Program; and the ability to earn Act 48 credit if needed
  • Discounted rates on professional development events and regional college fairs
  • Professional updates through our quarterly publication, The PACER
  • Scholarships for your students to attend post-secondary institutions
  • A network of dedicated and caring professionals like yourself!
  • The PACAC Mentorship Program
  • PACAC's new Special Interest Groups (SIGs)

To be eligible for consideration for a CAP Grant, an applicant must:

  • Work with college-bound students of any age in the college admission process.
  • Verify that their institution will not pay the required fees for PACAC membership and/or professional events.
  • Provide insight as to how they will use their PACAC Membership or the specific training to help them serve their students

While Michael M. Gaynor CAP Grants may be awarded to any applicant who meets these guidelines, special consideration will be given to applicants who work in under-represented areas and/or with under-represented constituencies in Pennsylvania. The maximum amount for each event listed below will be determined by the Committee, which will also  consider whether an applicant has received funding in the past. 

 

2026-2027 Michael M. Gaynor CAP Grant for Membership Application - Apply for yourself or refer a colleague!

2026 CAP Grant Application is now closed.  (Self-Application only)

Please remember the following deadlines when applying for a Michael M. Gaynor CAP Grant:

Annual Conference:  March 20th
College Tour:  March 20th
Women's Empowerment Workshop:  March 20th
Summer Institute:  June 1st
Enrollment & Middle Management Institute:  June 1st
NACAC Conference:  June 1st
Admission Boot Camp:  August 1st

 

*Decisions are made by a committee, which will meet after the designated deadline above. 
You will then be notified within two weeks of their meeting.

 

PACAC Accounts Payable Voucher (to be submitted after attending event, if applicable)