SXU students meet with state legislators
June 14, 2012 3:08PM
St. Xavier university students stand with state Rep. Kelly Burke (D-36th) at Private College Student Lobby Day in Springfield. Pictured (from left) are Samra Lynch, Aisha Jubeh, Misha Cooper, Markella Sarantopulos, Burke, Yadira Serna, Amanda Tischina and Gina Williams. | Supplied Photo
Updated: July 18, 2012 6:07AM
Seven St. Xavier University students recently discussed with state legislators in Springfield the importance of Monetary Award Program grants during a Private College Student Lobby Day.
Students met with state Sen. Edward Maloney (D-Chicago), state Rep. Kelly Burke (D-36th), state Rep. Bill Cunningham (D-35th) and state Rep. Renee Kosel (R-81st).
Students were encouraged to share their personal stories on how MAP grants affect them and other students they know, and how MAP grants and institutional aid make college possible.
Participating students included junior Samra Lynch, of Chicago; sophomore Aisha Jubeh, of Mokena; sophomore Misha Cooper, of Chicago; sophomore Markella Sarantopulos, of Bridgeview; freshman Yadira Serna, of Chicago; and junior Gina Williams, of Steger.
MAP provides grants that do not need to be repaid to Illinois residents who attend approved Illinois colleges and demonstrate financial need based on the information provided by the Free Application for Federal Students Aid.
The Illinois Student Assistance Commission, which administers the MAP grant, ran out of money for the need-based program in March, so eligible college students who apply for state assistance are now put on a waiting list. More than 51 percent of St. Xavier undergraduates receive MAP grants, school officials said.
The event, held every year in the capital, was organized by the Federation of Independent Illinois Colleges and Universities.
Provided to the SouthtownStar
