Twenty-nine Cal State Long Beach students went to Sacramento to lobby for higher education at the California Higher Education Student Summit April 15.
Hosted by the California State Student Association, CHESS is a four-day conference devoted to increasing student leadership skills, networking and creating political awareness about education.
“I think I left the conference feeling very uplifted,” Senator Roxana Gracia said.
Students lobbied on behalf of the more than 433,000 students at all 23 CSU campuses. Students lobbied legislators at the state capital, visiting various assembly and senate offices.
“To be able to meet those people, to build those relationships, is really important,” Senator Stephen Thomas said.
About a third of CSULB students in attendance were not affiliated with Associated Students Inc. ASI president James Ahumada expressed an interest in setting aside funding to increase CHESS attendance next year.
Ahumada also encouraged those coming back from CHESS to consider joining Lobby Corps. Senator Jorge Soriano said that he witnessed enthusiasm from the younger CHESS participants and felt it would be useful in future years of student government.
“What I found most exciting was all of the first-years there,” Soriano said. “It got them really excited about government and they’re going to bring that excitement back with them.”
Disclaimer: The Daily 49er is not responsible for Postings made on www.daily49er.wpengine.com. Persons commenting are solely responsible for Postings made on this website. Persons commenting agree to the Terms of Use of the website. If Postings do not abide by the Rules of Conduct or Posting Regulations as listed in the Postings Policy, the Daily 49er has all rights to delete Postings as it deems necessary. The Daily 49er strongly advises individuals to not abuse their First Amendment rights, and to avoid language suggestive of hate speech. This site also encourages users to make Postings relevant to the article or other Postings.
