It is formed by affiliation from student representative bodies across the United States and serves as "the umbrella organization representing all the graduate and professional students in the country", through representation, lobbying, contribution to public policy debate, initiating communication between relevant parties and bringing key issues and potential solutions to wider audiences.
Since then, the NAGPS has developed a legislative and advocacy platform, hosts conferences and events annually, and provides services to members.
In March and September, the NAGPS hosts its Spring and Fall Advocacy Summits and Legislative Action Days.
The Leadership Summit is designed to train newly elected leaders to best serve their constituents at their home universities.
These include open access for federally funded research, higher education funding, the reunification of student loan interest rates, international student visa reform, and policies aimed at deterring sexual assault on college campuses.
Research The 2000 National Doctoral Program Survey funded by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation gathered information on the educational experiences and outcome of nearly 33,000 in the U.S. and Canada.
NAGPS organizes students to address graduate & professional concerns to their members on Capitol Hill during Legislative Action Days.
[citation needed] Each April, NAGPS sponsors Graduate & Professional Student Appreciation Week in cooperation with sister organizations in Canada, Australia, Russia and the United Kingdom.