A panel of college freshmen and high school seniors is urging Kentucky lawmakers to do more to assist low income students who have higher education aspirations. Their testimony focused on two needs based scholarship programs.
Four members of the Prichard Committee’s Student Voice Team appeared last week before the House Budget Review Subcommittee on Postsecondary Education. Lexington Henry Clay Senior Jamie Smith says Governor Bevin’s recommendation of more money for workforce training deserves attention. “We’re interested to see what these workforce development programs are and whether or not they are aiding need based or students with financial need, low income socioeconomic status,” said Smith.
The students spoke primarily about two needs based scholarship programs: the College Access Program and Kentucky Tuition Grant. They agreed that money should not be diverted from these assistance funds to support other areas of state government. Eliza Jayne Schaefer is also a senior at Henry Clay. “We need to empower every Kentuckian who wants to better themselves and better their education to do so and as we said in our presentation, by increasing the education attainment level, we can actually generate money for our state in terms of revenue and cost savings,” Schaefer explained.
After the hearing, Louisville Representative Reggie Meeks urged students to make their voices heard at the ballot box. Lexington Dunbar graduate Andrew Brennan says many young students don’t have that option yet. “The majority of students are not old enough to vote,” Brennan said. “We don’t have the money to hire professional lobbyists and we don’t have the ability to be in Frankfort every single day lobbying for issues that affect us. So, we are at a distinct disadvantage.”
No action was taken by the committee regarding the student testimony.
