PASSHE Student Leaders Gain Real-World Experience at the state Capitol

Student leaders connect classroom learning and
real-world engagement with state government

Harrisburg, PA - Students from several universities in Pennsylvania's State System of Higher Education visited the state Capitol this spring to gain real-world policy experience and meet with legislators about the importance of public higher education in the commonwealth.

Many of the students were members of their universities' student government associations. The visits extended classroom learning, allowing students to engage in professional conversations with state senators, representatives and legislative leaders and their staff. Students shared their perspectives on the value of higher education and observed the legislative process in action to better understand how government decisions shape education and communities.

The experience also helped students strengthen their professional communication and networking skills while learning about careers in public service and public policy.

"For many students, visiting the state Capitol is career-connected learning in action," said PASSHE Chancellor Christopher Fiorentino. "This was a great opportunity to practice professional communication, see firsthand how public policy decisions are made, and connect classroom learning with experiences that affect students and communities throughout Pennsylvania."

Expanding access to hands-on work-based and experiential learning opportunities is a priority across the State System. In addition to internships, clinical placements and employer partnerships, experiences such as Capitol visits help students apply classroom knowledge in professional environments while building confidence and practical skills that support future career success.

At the Capitol, students toured the House and Senate chambers, visited legislative offices and learned more about the role of state government in supporting public higher education and communities across Pennsylvania.

Hunter Hartford, president of the Commonwealth University-Lock Haven Student Government Board, said, "Higher education is a central component in helping to advance the Commonwealth. Visits like this allow us as students to not only advocate for CU, but for PASSHE as a whole to help and ensure that there continues to be a more affordable option for higher education across the Commonwealth. Assisting with getting the ball rolling for this visit with our university Chief of Staff and Government Relations liaison Dan Knorr was an honor and has further helped me realize just how impactful the student voice is to our legislators."

Amaya Cox, president of the East Stroudsburg University Student Government Association and a marine science major, said, "These types of visits with our Pennsylvania legislators in Harrisburg let us advocate on behalf of our student body and ESU, and give us the opportunity to show and explain the power and promise of Pennsylvania's State System of Higher Education and how we can be the future leaders of our great Commonwealth."

Thomas Oraskovich, a graduate student pursuing master's degrees in public affairs and human resources/employment relations, said, "The trip to Harrisburg was an experience I'll genuinely never forget. Being able to step inside the Senate and House chambers and see state government in action made everything feel real and, honestly, inspiring. Meeting elected officials and witnessing the proclamation recognizing the 150th anniversary of Indiana University of Pennsylvania was especially meaningful to me, as I come from a family with generations of ties to IUP. The entire experience further strengthened my passion for public service and reinforced my goal of building a career in state or local government. I am forever grateful for this experience."

Cade Herndon, president of the Kutztown University Student Government Board, said, "As education is one of the foundations of our society, advocating for KU and the rest of PASSHE universities is critically important. Advocating for our universities is something I highly encourage every PASSHE student to do."

Tevon Kerr-Hornbaker, president of the Millersville University Student Government Association and a government, law and international relations major, said, "My fellowship with the state House of Representatives this semester taught me that the most meaningful discussions happen when those directly affected by legislation have a seat at the table. I'm proud that we were able to speak directly with legislators and ensure the needs of students are not just heard but understood at the state Capitol."

Connor Pavlicko, president of the Slippery Rock University Student Government Association, said, "For students, affordability is everything. This was a great opportunity to gain real-world advocacy experience and speak directly with legislators about why state funding matters to students at Slippery Rock and across the PASSHE system. That support is vital to ensuring that more students can continue to stay in school and graduate without taking on overwhelming costs."

Derrick Addison, president of the West Chester University Student Government Association, said, "Being present and introduced on both the Senate and House floors was a surreal experience. Our SGA members and I were excited to advocate for funding enhancements to improve experiential programs and student pay. Bringing our voices directly to legislators was an immeasurable experience."

State Investment and Student Success
PASSHE is requesting a $651.8 million state appropriation for fiscal year 2026-27, a 5% increase, to support affordability and student success across the State System's universities.

The proposed funding would allow the Board of Governors to freeze in-state undergraduate tuition at $7,994.

The State System's universities will graduate approximately 20,000 students this academic year, helping to meet workforce needs across Pennsylvania.

About PASSHE
Pennsylvania's State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) is the public university system of the commonwealth with a mission to provide a high-quality education at the lowest possible cost to students. The State System annually confers more than 20,000 degrees and has more than 900,000 living alumni, most of whom live in Pennsylvania. The State System universities are Cheyney, Commonwealth (Bloomsburg, Lock Haven and Mansfield), East Stroudsburg, Indiana, Kutztown, Millersville, PennWest (California, Clarion and Edinboro), Shippensburg, Slippery Rock and West Chester universities of Pennsylvania.