This morning the College Promise Coalition, a coalition that advocates for the colleges and universities, alongside students, parents, faculty, alumni, labor and business leaders, and education advocates in order to urge the legislature to make higher education a top priority, held a media event at The Capitol.

Students from two- and four-year institutions opened the event announcing the Coalition, its importance and the broad support within the Coalition for higher education in Washington.  In addition, the students shared how their lives have been impacted as funding for institutions has declined.

Following the student President Les Purce – The Evergreen State College,  President Elson Floyd – WSU, President Roy Heyndrickx – St Martin’s, Ana Mari Cauce – UW Dean of Arts and Sciences, the College Success Foundation, and faculty and union representatives shared what is at stake for the state regarding reductions to higher education investments over the last few years, spoke to the value of the student experience, and recognized the need for investments in access.