NASFAA 2026 DME Policy Intern Sophie Gamble, Bids Farewell
By Sophie Gamble, NASFAA Policy Staff
Dear NASFAA Community,
I’m finishing up my time as the Dallas Martin Endowment Intern, and wanted to write a note of thanks to you all and tell you a bit more about how I spent my summer!
I worked to update some of NASFAA’s issue briefs this summer, Doubling the Maximum Pell Grant and Student Aid Funding. An ongoing project I was able to take over for the summer was our Legislative Tracker, where I learned how to read and summarize legislation introduced by this Congress.
By far the largest portion of my time went to the 2026 National Profile, a document that summarizes six of the major Title IV programs authorized by the Higher Education Act. The Profile is reflective of a year filled with change; with a new OBBBA-specific section, new tables about loan limits, and updated graphs that distinguish graduate and undergraduate borrowing. I learned an incredible amount about financial aid from working on this profile, but also about data analysis, technical writing, policy research, design, communication, and even the litigation process.
I also had the chance to connect with so many of you through advocacy pipelines and at our National Conference. I learned about challenges you have faced in implementing new policies, but also the ways you all have exchanged ideas and strategies for doing so, and importantly the resilience and care you show to students. Beyond NASFAA members, I had the chance to speak with college counselors, TRIO professionals, state college access networks, and community-based organizations, all of whom helped me better understand the broader financial aid ecosystem. I’m working on a blog post to highlight some of the work folks are doing to support students, with the hope of showcasing how these partnerships make a difference and exploring how the ecosystem can continue to support its members and students.
Though I was based in Philadelphia for most of the summer, I was able to train down to D.C. several times – for a day of advocacy with the Committee for Education Funding, for PNPI’s Intern Lunch and Federal Student Aid Boot Camp, and to meet with my own representatives on the Hill. Within a week, I met with the offices of Reps. Mark Amodei (R-NV), Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ), Joe Morelle (D-NY), Max Miller (R-OH), and Senators Jon Husted (R-OH), Dave McCormick (R-PA), and John Fetterman (D-PA).
While preparing to speak to these individuals, the advice I was given was to research the bills my representatives had supported and to read their press releases – really, to think about the people they represent and why they might care about financial aid and postsecondary access. As I was reflecting on these visits with my wonderful supervisor, Rachel, I told her that I left all of these conversations feeling so very hopeful about higher education. It sounds strange to say that in a moment filled with so much uncertainty, but it’s how I felt.
I know a conversation doesn’t always lead to common ground, but taking the time to hear one another's stories was so important. It reminded me that we were all working toward the best possible future for the people we care about, and it strengthened my belief that education can – and should – be a nonpartisan, human endeavor.
On the subject of good humans, I owe NASFAA staff a big, heartfelt thanks for the knowledge and care you have shown me these last few months. I feel so lucky to have shared this time with you all and I am thinking of this moment as a “hope to see you soon” rather than as goodbye.
I'm excited to begin my next chapter as a college counselor, with plans to return to the D.C. area in the next few years. In the meantime, I hope our paths continue to cross in advocacy work or in one of the other many ways this profession brings people together.
-Sophie
Publication Date: 8/14/2026
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