WASHINGTON, D.C. – Higher Learning Advocates (HLA) has long promoted the needs of today’s students throughout the country in higher education, and now a redefined future is on the horizon. In May, HLA announced a transition is underway, uniting its federal policy and coalition wings to operate exclusively under a known name, Today’s Students Coalition (TSC).

Alongside the transition, after seven years at the helm, Julie Peller has ascended from her post as HLA’s founding executive director to the chair of the Coalition’s board of directors. Tanya Ang, HLA’s now former managing director of advocacy, has been named the new executive director of TSC.

“Over the past seven years, the term ‘Today’s Students’ has changed how society views people in pursuit of higher education. Our mission has become a rallying cry embraced by partners, policymakers, higher education leadership, and members of the media alike,” Peller said. “With this momentum, we stand poised to make an even greater impact.”

The transition took place June 1. As HLA was conducted for many years, the nonprofit concluded operations on that date.

Launched under the former parent organization HLA in 2019, TSC is a national coalition of 40 member organizations focused on the needs of today’s students who are also working adults, parents, military-connected, and first-generation. The Coalition is known for its keystone programs: Student Ambassador Fellowship and the DC Student Summit, an annual event that brings undergraduates nationwide to the heart of the nation’s capital for three days of legislative training and meetings with congressional offices. These programs serve as the educational arm of TSC by preparing college students to be civic leaders within their campus communities and beyond. Through partnerships with policymakers, stakeholders, and higher education leaders, the Coalition will continue to focus on key policy priorities, including access and affordability, racial equity, child care, and students’ basic needs.

Serving alongside Peller, TSC is also announcing the first board members of the revamped coalition: Chris Bustamante, Ed.D., Arizona Community College Coordinating Council’s former executive director; Michael D’Ausilio, JPMorgan Chase & Co.’s global head of employee engagement, culture, and conduct; Dewayne Matthews, Ph.D., Lumina Foundation fellow; Jordan DiMaggio, UPCEA’s vice president, policy and digital strategy; Kristin Hultquist, HCM Strategists’ chief executive officer and founding partner; and Su Jin Jez, Ph.D., California Competes’ chief executive officer.

In addition to the transition, TSC is proud to unveil its new visual identity, including a refreshed logo and redesigned todaysstudents.org website, launched earlier this month. This rebranding effort reflects the Coalition’s renewed commitment to representing the voices and interests of today’s students.

“We are excited about the opportunities that lie ahead as we unite under the banner of Today’s Students Coalition,” Ang said. “Together, we will be a powerful voice for students and a driving force for positive change in higher education policy.”

About Today’s Students Coalition
Today’s Students Coalition (TSC) sits at the heart of a diverse group of the nation’s leading policy and advocacy member organizations, affiliates, and student advocates united for impact on federal policy changes that better serve today’s students. The Coalition is dedicated to forging the future of higher education through bipartisan initiatives focused on the needs of learners who are working adults, parenting students, military-connected, and first-generation students.