Student Financial Aid Day

Student Financial Aid Day

Tuesday, February 26, 20131:00 P.M. - 4:00 P.M.  Massachusetts State House

Those interested in attending Student Financial Aid Day must email Brittany Baker, bbaker@lasell.edu, by Tuesday, Feb. 19th. Students will meet in Potter Hall on Feb. 26th and travel to the State House from there.

What is Student Financial Aid Day?
Student Financial Aid Day at the State House is an opportunity for college students from across Massachusetts to visit the State House and lend their voice in support for funding for need-based financial aid programs. Governor Patrick will join to welcome students and speak about the importance of student aid. Last year more than 200 students and staff from more than 35 colleges participated in the event.

After assembling in the Great Hall, the students will listen to brief remarks from 2 or 3 elected officials. Invitations have been extended to elected officials. The legislators talk about the importance of a college education and the key role that colleges and students play in the economic engine of the state. They also offer some advice on how to effectively lobby/talk to legislators and their staff during office visits.

After the speaking portion of the program the students are then directed to visit the offices of the Senators and Representatives that represent the city or town where their college is located as well as the elected official from their home town. Students will be provided talking points, maps of the State House, and a list identifying which Senators and Representatives represent both the district where the college is located and each student's hometown.

Why attend Student Financial Aid Day?
This is a chance to say "thank you" to legislators for last year's funding of need-based financial aid programs that help Massachusetts students stay in Massachusetts to attend a college here. It is a powerful message of thanks when a legislator can put a student's face and story to the budget line item which funds these programs. In light of Governor Patrick's transformational $112 million increase in student financial aid included in his FY14 budget proposal, this event takes on added importance this year as we encourage the Legislature to match his commitment to students and financial aid. This funding is critical to helping MA students get to - and through - college and it is important to say thanks.

What to wear?
Represent Lasell College by wearing a Lasell college sweatshirt or t-shirt.