The impetus for the NCSCPS emerged in response to First Lady Michelle Obama’s Reach Higher initiative and the call for improvements to school counseling and school-based college and career counseling systems. Beginning with two national convenings in collaboration with the White House’s College Opportunity Agenda, the NCSCPS has been established to carry the momentum of the 2014 introduction of Reach Higher initiative and the achievements that followed.

It aims to provide a leading voice for college and career services with specific attention to driving outcomes that increase equitable and accessible pathways to postsecondary success for all students, especially those who face formidable barriers to postsecondary opportunities. Our goal is to act as a catalyst to strengthen school counseling and college advising through targeted activities in five focus areas, all of which are predicated on school counselor leadership and strategic partnerships.

NCSCPS members are individuals who have established themselves within the fields of school counseling and college advising. To be considered established, members must have significantly contributed to the field, have an advanced degree (Ph.D, Ed.D, etc.), published in multiple peer-reviewed journals, presented at well-established conferences, and / or be considered an emerging leader in the field.