Albany, NY — Students from across New York State convened at the State Capitol for CICU’s annual Student Aid Advocacy Day, joining together to advocate for sustained and expanded investment in student financial aid in this year’s state budget.
Representing independent, not-for-profit colleges and universities from every region of the state, students met directly with Senators and Assemblymembers to share firsthand accounts of how programs like TAP, Bundy Aid, HEOP, CSTEP, and STEP make higher education accessible and attainable. Their stories underscored a simple but powerful message: student aid changes lives — and it strengthens New York’s future.
The day began with a rally featuring remarks from elected officials, leaders from opportunity programs, and representatives from state higher education agencies. Speakers emphasized the importance of protecting critical aid programs and ensuring that students have the resources necessary to persist and complete their degrees.
Following the rally, students participated in scheduled meetings throughout the Capitol, urging lawmakers to:
- Increase funding for the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP)
- Sustain and strengthen opportunity programs that expand access
- Maintain robust support for Bundy Aid to reinforce campus stability
- Prioritize affordability in the final state budget
As the second-largest higher education ecosystem in the nation, New York’s colleges and universities play a vital role in educating a highly skilled workforce and driving economic growth. Investment in student aid ensures that students can remain in New York, complete their education, and contribute meaningfully to their communities.
Student Aid Advocacy Day reflects CICU’s continued commitment to amplifying student voices and advancing policies that promote access, opportunity, and excellence across New York State.
