February 18, 2020
Students from St. John’s University joined a delegation of almost 1,000 college students from across New York State to advocate before the New York State Legislature during the annual Student Aid Alliance Advocacy Day held on February 11 in Albany, NY. While visiting the New York State Capitol, students met with local legislators, including several University alumni serving in both the New York State Senate and Assembly.
“The annual student advocacy trip to Albany is a powerful teachable moment for our students and sends an important message to our local legislators of how critical student aid is to help support students at St. John’s,” stated Brian Browne, Executive Director for University Relations and Assistant Vice President for Government Relations, who regularly coordinates the trip to the NYS Capitol for Advocacy Day.
The New York Student Aid Alliance is a coalition of colleges and universities and other stakeholder organizations that support funding vital student aid programs in New York. More than 900 students from approximately 87 public and private, not-for-profit campuses and higher education organizations attended the rally to show their support for student aid programs and urge lawmakers to restore student aid funding. A virtual Advocacy Day was held simultaneously on Twitter, with students and supporters from across the state using the hashtag #StandUp4StudentAid to share stories about the personal impact of student aid and opportunity programs.
During Advocacy Day—at the request of New York State Assemblyman David I. Weprin (24th A.D.), who represents the Queens, NY, campus—the New York State Assembly paused their legislative proceedings to formally introduce and recognize the St. John’s delegation before the legislature as they gathered in the historic and ornate Assembly Chamber.
Adam Lee, a sophomore majoring in Government and Politics, participated in Advocacy Day and made his first trip to the New York State Capitol. “It was a great experience for me as I got to meet and hear from my local legislators and advocate on behalf of my fellow students from St. John’s.” He continued:
“The Albany trip was an eye-opening experience that allowed me to gain a better understanding of not only my major, but how things work in New York politics. I would definitely recommend this trip for others.”
In New York, student aid and opportunity programs include the Tuition Assistance Program, Higher Education Opportunity Program, Science and Technology Entry Program, Collegiate Science and Technology Entry Program, Liberty Partnerships Program, and Enhanced Tuition Awards.
Students at St. John’s University and across New York rely on student aid programs to enable them to achieve their college dreams. Approximately 370,000 New Yorkers count on state student aid programs to make higher education more accessible and affordable. New York State and federal government student aid programs exist to help students pay for college. This financial support from taxpayers is good for students and a great investment in the future of the state.