Skidmore students urge legislators to enhance financial aid programs

Skidmore College students joined forces and voices with students from across New York to urge state legislators to enhance state-funded financial aid programs during the annual Independent Student Lobby Day, Feb. 13, in Albany, N.Y.

Approximately 700 students from more than 50 independent colleges throughout New York State participated in the event, which was coordinated by the Commission on Independent Colleges and Universities.

Participants attended advocacy seminars and took part in hundreds of legislative visits to discuss funding for higher education student-aid programs. The morning sessions included a chance for students to share their stories with the crowd assembled and passing through the giant "well" of the Legislative Office Building. Skidmore's Juan De Jesus '09 seized the moment to tell the crowd "We may be under-represented in higher education, but we are success!"

While meeting with legislators or their staff members, students asked lawmakers to raise the state's Tuition Assistance Program maximum award to $6,000 and to boost funds for the Higher Education Opportunity Program. More than 95,000 students at independent colleges and universities rely on TAP. A total of 63 private college and university campuses offer HEOP for more than 5,000 students, typically supporting the program with more than $3.70 for every state dollar invested.

Skidmore's contingent visited the offices of Assemblyman James Tedisco and Senator Joseph Bruno. Both represent districts that include the College. Aides to each legislator expressed cautious optimism about this year's state budget, noting that Gov. Eliot Spitzer spared most student aid programs in the Executive Budget he released in early February. They told the students, "We don't need to be convinced about the importance of these programs."

Christopher Keyser '10, who hails from the Capital District and enrolled at Skidmore last fall after working nearly 10 years following his high school graduation, explained to the staffers:"HEOP is a life-changer for me. I was so moved by the idea that people would be interested in me and my college success. It has made me work hard to be better." De Jesus '09, a resident of the Bronx, told the aides: "I appreciate your support. Without HEOP, I would not be here. It's nice to have people backing us."

At the end of the day, students reflected on lobby day and the importance of state support in financing their educations. Said Giselle Santana '09, a social work and Spanish major from the Bronx, "This was a great idea. More people should participate. The only reason I am in college is because of HEOP. It gives me an opportunity to succeed." Her brother, a student at the University of Rochester, also receives HEOP support for college. They are the first two college students in their family, she said.

New York City resident Eilin Nunez '09, a government and Spanish major, found it helpful to hear others' opinions of these programs and how they are appreciated. "But we need more students to participate in the future," she added. For Nunez, the pre-freshman HEOP summer program at Skidmore was the key to her success as it provided both academic support and an avenue for friendships. Nunez, who plans to study abroad during her junior year, hopes to attend law school after earning a Skidmore degree.

Adrian Texidor '10, of Hartford, Conn., said he was glad to participate and noted, " It's interesting that the policy makers agreed with us. It was sort of disarming." He added, "New York State funds its programs for students much better than Connecticut. It's nice to see a state that cares about its students."