In October, Student Senate members representing the four campuses went to Washington, D.C. for a leadership and advocacy training trip. Also attending were key members from ASACC. Students met separately with the personal aides for Senators Kohl, Gwen Moore, James Sensenbrenner, and Paul Ryan.

A highlight was the group’s appointment with Senator Russ Feingold, where students got to share their concerns and personal stories regarding the Pell Grant and the Perkins Loan.

One personal story focused on Karen Vogel who is the President of SLC and the ASACC Great Lakes Regional Representative.

After retiring from Rockwell Automation, Vogel decided to go back to school and found out that her pension and savings disqualified her from receiving the Pell Grant.

Determined, Vogel stuck with it, paying for her education, even though there was little extra money to allow for it.

Vogel stressed that these important grants and loans concern all students attending technical and community colleges across our entire nation.

Looking toward the future she adds, “I would like to see my nieces and nephews get this grant.”

In today’s world, we seem to be advocating in every area of our life, so it is important to talk to your student senate members, as they are here to represent you.