Steeghs represents students nationwide as part of ACCT Student Trustee Advisory Committee

Palm Beach State College Student Trustee Ryan Steeghs is one of eight student trustees nationwide selected to serve on the Student Trustee Advisory Committee, a distinguished body within the Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT).

In this national role, he became a voice for student advocacy, leadership, and empowerment proudly representing not only the students of PBSC but over 11 million community college students across the country.

In this role, Steeghs addressed members of the United States Congress, passionately highlighting the priorities and perspectives of community college students during the ACCT National Legislative Summit in Washington, D.C., the nation’s most significant community college advocacy event.

His advocacy centered on transformative policies such as ending the taxation of Pell Grants, expanding Workforce Pell Grants for students in short-term credentialing programs, strengthening the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, and increasing support for programs like TRIO and Upward Bound, which provide critical pathways to success for first-generation and underrepresented students.

He also strongly supported the College Transparency Act, which helps institutions and policymakers better understand student enrollment, completion, career outcomes, and the impact of financial aid—supporting data-driven improvements and accountability in higher education.

Beyond the halls of Congress, Steeghs embraced the full scope of his leadership opportunity. He networked with student leaders from across the nation—including peers from U.S. territories and Pacific Islands—building lasting relationships and exchanging insights on how to amplify student impact back home.

His time in Washington also allowed him to explore the next chapter of his academic journey. While touring universities he applied to, such as George Washington University and Georgetown University, he had a chance encounter with newly elected Congressman Mike Haridopolos, who represents Florida’s 8th Congressional District. Their conversation offered an unexpected but meaningful moment of connection, as they discussed student leadership, service and public impact.

Crowning the experience, Steeghs was granted special access to the U.S. Capitol building, where he witnessed firsthand the chambers where national legislation is debated and shaped—a powerful reminder of the influence student voices can have in shaping the future of education in America.

Read more about the Student Trustee Advisory Committee