SFU students meet with legislators at Student Aid Advocacy Day in Harrisburg

Over 200 students from across PA gathered in Harrisburg to advocate for student aid

Harrisburg, PA (04/25/2019) — On April 9, 2019, Saint Francis University students were among 200 students from 40 colleges and universities at the Association of Independent Colleges and Universities of Pennsylvania's (AICUP) Student Aid Advocacy Day. There, students came together to advocate for student aid in private higher education.

Students in attendance from Saint Francis University in Loretto, PA included Leah Hockensmith, Carrigan Koontz, and Nick Mauro.

The message of the day was clear: Protect the maximum Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) Grant award of $4123 because it has already been reduced from previous years. Students also asked legislators to fully fund the Ready to Succeed Scholarship Program. "By protecting these programs, you are protecting the only higher education funds that track Pennsylvania students with financial need" said AICUP President Tom Foley during the rally that took place at the Harrisburg Capitol.

Students participated in a rally at 10am at the Harrisburg Capitol and then met with legislators from their school's districts throughout the day to advocate on behalf of PHEAA funding. PHEAA grants are student aid awards that do not have to be repaid, limiting financial stress and helping students focus on achieving academically.