Skidmore students advocate for NYS-funded student aid
In the Legislative Office Building well, a rally.
(Photos by Eun-sil Lee)
Seven Skidmore College students were among the approximately 900 high school and college students from across New York State who attended the 2015 New York Student Aid Alliance Advocacy Day Feb. 10 in Albany.
The annual event draws students to the state capitol where they share stories about the value of state-funded student aid programs--including the Arthur O. Eve Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP) and the Tuition Assistance Program, among others. The students meet with members of the New York State Assembly and Senate (or their staff members) to explain the value of these programs and stress the critical nature of this support. The Commission on Independent Colleges and Universities coordinates the day's events.
More than five million New York State students have received state aid to help meet their college expenses over the past four decades.
Skidmore students participating in the 2015 NYS Student Aid Alliance Advocacy Day were Byron Smith, Brittany Kent, Jailyn Salcedo, Briana Hassell, Karley Robinson, Mariely Estrella, and Mohammed Mian, all Class of 2018.
The students met with staff members at the offices of Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner
and Sen. Thomas Croci. At both offices, they shared personal stories about how they
arrived at Skidmore College and how state student aid programs made their Skidmore
experience possible. While at Assemblywoman Woerner’s office, the students met Amanda
Seres ’14, district director for the assemblywoman.
[Cover image: Mark Luciano, chief of staff (left), Byron Smith, Brittany Kent, Karley
Robinson, Jailyn Salcedo, Brianna Hassell, Mariely Estrella, Mohammed Mian and Amanda
Seres ’14 (center front), district director, in Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner's office.]
