Professional development opportunities and resources

• Discounted registration fees for workshops and conferences that help colleagues network, learn from one another, and stay abreast of issues in counseling, financial aid, and admission
  
• Access to online tools, including our Membership Directory and Job Postings
• Opportunity to contribute to your profession and MACAC goals through committee involvement
• Access to Professional Development session PowerPoints and notes
• Opportunity to participate in the Mentorship Program
• Legacy Grant funding for MACAC and NACAC professional development events

Advocacy for public policy benefiting students, families and MACAC members:

• Your voice is heard, through the annual "Day on the Hill" meetings with legislators at the Minnesota State Capitol and regular online action alerts, organized by the Government Relations Committee
  
• Through the NACAC leadership structure, MACAC officers advocate for support of school counselors and federal assistance for higher education

Information to support education professionals and the students you serve:

• Minnesota Education Fairs (MEFs) allow students and families to talk with and collect information from postsecondary representatives
  
• Membership Directory
• Affiliation with NACAC (National Association for College Admission Counseling) provides a link to issues at the national level

"I've been a MACAC member since 2001 and it has helped in many areas of my professional life. I’ve developed professionally and built lasting relationships with my colleagues in the organization. Since college counseling is a large part of our work as school counselors, it’s beneficial for myself and others at the high school to be on top of all admissions trends and partnerships with colleges. Without the knowledge and networking that I’ve done in MACAC, I know that I wouldn’t be able to succeed as well in my current position.
The best part of being a MACAC member is the opportunity to help support students in their college decision making with a like minded group of wonderful people (MACAC members) that understand the challenges and rewards of high school and postsecondary college counseling."

Chad Terry, Licensed School Counselor, Rosemount High School

One of the most memorable and rewarding experiences I have had through MACAC is the Leadership Development Program (LPD). I learned more about myself, leadership skills, and the higher education profession through LDP. LDP was developed by leaders in our profession where we are able to investigate, define, and further develop our leadership skills. We work with our mentor and meet as a whole group throughout the year to apply these new skills individually and take them back to own institutions. These mentors have extensive resumes that include: past presidents of MACAC, directors of admission and college counseling, and other senior leaders. LDP has helped push me outside of my comfort zone and grow into the professional I wish to become. While we all may work at different institutions or “sides of the desk” it is fulfilling and worthwhile to be a part (and not just a part - an active part) of MACAC. 

Laura Horton, Eastview High School

The work I do with MACAC has a direct impact on my professional development. In a time of decreasing budgets, having an organization orchestrate trainings and conferences within our state has allowed me to stay informed and connected on trends with a network of collegial support. This in turn allows me to best advise and advocate for the students I work with at my public two-year institution.
MACAC has opened doors and avenues within the profession for me; since joining MACAC, I’ve won a Legacy Grant that allowed me to attend a conference down in Iowa; joined a Leadership Development Cohort, and made deep friendships that I wouldn’t have had otherwise; and now serve as a co-chair on the Board. Through these occurrences, I feel I am gaining valuable leadership skills that will prepare me for professional advancement and service in the future.

Aaron Salasek, Director of Outreach and Recruitment, Inver Hills Community College