President's Welcome

Welcome to the Pennsylvania Association for College Admission Counseling’s website. It is our goal for you to find PACAC to be a valuable resource in your work. PACAC provides professional development, networking, education, and opportunities for professionals to collaborate and find community. Whether you are a longtime member of our association, new to the profession, or just visiting and seeking resources, we hope that you find this website helpful. 

I am honored to serve as PACAC President for the 2024-2025 academic year. As we begin our new cycle, it’s important to look back at the work we’ve accomplished and the challenges we faced. Most notably, last year brought us the Supreme Court decision, indicating that the use of race in college admissions is unlawful. We also are continuing to navigate the FAFSA Simplification Act, which while was supposed to bring positive change to our students, only complicated the process for thousands of students, especially those who are underrepresented. As we look ahead, we will be navigating waters during a tumultuous election year, understanding what threats are on the horizon, and working hard to ensure that we are staying true to our mission: empowering members with diverse professional needs to support access to postsecondary pathways and advocate for equity and ethics in education. Together, we can overcome new challenges that impact our profession. 

Know that PACAC is here to be your resource and professional home base as we continue to move forward. We are proud to be at a historical high in our membership numbers and encourage you to join us if you have not done so already. PACAC and its volunteers work diligently to provide timely professional development opportunities for all members, act as a resource as we navigate new normals, and continues to find new and powerful ways to support our members who support our students across the Commonwealth. Whether you are looking to collaborate and connect with college counseling professionals around the state or diversify your own professional skill set, PACAC is here to support you and provide opportunities for growth.  

If you are not yet a member, I encourage you to explore the benefits of membership and join our Association. PACAC is here to support all members, from administrators to the new counselors on your team. We are stronger because of the diversity of our members and hope you join us and contribute your voice to our conversations. If you are in need of financial assistance to secure membership, I encourage you to apply for our Counselor Assistance Program grant.  

If you are looking to get involved or have questions, I encourage you to be in touch with our Officers, Directors, Committee Chairs, or At-Large Delegates. 

Let's continue to embrace the challenges ahead with dedication, knowing that our collective efforts will provide opportunities for a brighter future for our students across the Commonwealth.