Advocacy group asks help to preserve NYS aid programs

The New York State Commission on Independent Colleges and Universities is seeking help in its advocacy efforts for state-funded student financial aid programs.

Approximately 15 percent of Skidmore’s students receive New York State-funded financial aid, primarily through the Tuition Assistance Program or the Higher Education Opportunity Program.  In his recently proposed budget, New York Governor David Patterson proposed cuts of $75 million to TAP, HEOP, and several other student aid programs.

At the same time, the governor introduced the first new financial-aid initiative in over 35 years–a low-cost student loan program called NYHELPs (New York Higher Education Loan Program).  If passed by the New York State legislature, this program could help thousands of students borrow for college at interest rates lower than those charged by private, alternative loan lenders.

New York’s Commission on Independent Colleges and Universities–a consortium of 110 private institutions throughout the state–has asked its members to reach out to students, parents, alumni, faculty, and staff and ask them to contact state lawmakers and urge them to protect these essential student aid programs.

CICU has made it easy to follow up on this request.  You can share your thoughts with legislators by clicking here.

After supplying your name and ZIP code, you will be directed to a page that will send your message to your representatives, as well as to several legislators who are in charge of state appropriations and higher-education policy.  If you received NYS financial aid while attending Skidmore, please tell officials how important this support was for you to attain your educational goals. If you had friends on campus who were beneficiaries of these programs, you may wish to share their stories. If you are the parent of a student who received NYS student aid, you could express appreciation on behalf of your student.

If you would like to thank Gov. Patterson and other state leaders for proposing the NYHELPs, click here.

Facebook members, you can become a fan of the CICU Student Aid Alliance by clicking here. Being a fan will enable you to receive updates on these programs during the 2009 legislative session.

The current economy has created enormous challenges for higher education.  For many students, government grants and loans are critical elements of their college financial plan.  Please take a moment to communicate with New York’s lawmakers about the value of this investment in higher education.