A group of student advocacy fellows, supported by the Florida College Access Network (FCAN), traveled to the state’s capital from March 10-12 for the fourth annual FCAN Advocacy Day in Tallahassee. This unique program empowers students with the skills and confidence to champion education policies that enhance college affordability and student success in Florida.
During their visit, students engaged directly with policymakers, sharing their personal academic journeys and firsthand perspectives on how education policies shape their experience.
“At the heart of FCAN is our students,” said Sarah Foster, FCAN’s policy analyst. “Giving them this opportunity to visit legislative offices and visit with members and staff is so important, and it really brings a face to policy.”
A Transformative Experience for Student Advocates
On their first day, fellows met in-person for the first time after months of preparation. They toured the Florida Capitol building to familiarize themselves with its layout and met with their first representative, Rep. Susan Valdés, who shared her journey to the state legislature and her ongoing work in education policy.
The meetings with legislators focused on FCAN’s 2025 policy agenda, which includes:
- FAFSA Awareness in Financial Literacy Curriculum – Ensuring students understand how to access grants, scholarships, and aid, as cost remains the top barrier to higher education.
- Expanding Access to the Florida Student Assistance Grant (FSAG) – Advocating for increased funding to support more eligible students.
- Strengthening Awareness of Dual Enrollment Opportunities – Encouraging outreach and expansion so more students and families take advantage of free college credit opportunities in high school.
During their meetings, students found their voices, built connections, and learned the power of sharing their stories.
Student Voices: Why Advocacy Matters
Pictured: Michael Chaput, Senator Carlos Guillermo Smith, and Stephanie Wilks
For many fellows, the experience was eye-opening and empowering.
“Education policy is student policy,” said Michael Chaput, student at the College of Central Florida. “We should be a part of that decision-making process.”
Stephanie Wilks, student at University of Central Florida, echoed this sentiment, sharing, “We just came back from a meeting where the representative said our stories do matter. Talking to him was important because you get to make that personal connection.”
For Mariangel Albornoz, student at the University of Florida, her advocacy was inspired by her dual enrollment experience. “When I was in high school, I was pretty scared of college, so I decided to take dual enrollment based on a teacher’s recommendation. Thanks to it, I realized that college is just about putting in the effort—it’s not some mystical thing. Now I’m pursuing astrophysics.”
Other students reflected on the impact of financial aid access. “I actually did not know what FAFSA was until my senior year when a program required me to fill out the application,” said Jasiah Burrows, University of South Florida student. “It’s important for high school students to be aware of FAFSA earlier.”
Pictured: Lordana Guillaume, Kailia Gilligan, Rep. Jon Albert, Da’Mari Clayton, and Ariel Dookie
First-generation Miami-Dade College graduate now attending Florida International University, Ismaray Govea, emphasized the importance of awareness. “I was fortunate to complete my AA and graduate from college before high school. If more students knew about this, they could save so much money and time.”
Kailia Gilligan, University of South Florida student, shared how legislators reacted to their testimonies. “I could tell that the legislators were surprised by some of our stories.”
For many students, this experience solidified their commitment to advocacy. “Our stories can really help change policy,” said Ariel Dookie, student at the University of Florida. “It was such a rewarding feeling to educate a policymaker on issues affecting hundreds of thousands of lives.”
Encouragement from Leaders
Students also had the opportunity to hear from influential figures who encouraged them to continue using their voices.
Dr. Altony Lee, III, Associate Vice Chancellor for the State University System, emphasized the importance of excellence, quoting, “Excellence is to do a common thing in an uncommon way.”
Troy Miller speaks to FCAN’s 2025 Advocacy Fellows.
Troy Miller, Chief Data Officer at the State University System, Board of Governors, spoke about the role of curiosity in shaping policy solutions and the power of research and data in advocating for change.
Wendy Dodge, lobbyist at The Southern Group, shared her insight representing 5 school districts and the various aspects of education policy; including not only academics but the operational components that make school districts function and students succeed. She was joined by Chad Davis, staff attorney of the Polk County School Board, who shared his background as an attorney, legislative aide, and the legal impacts of policy.
Left image: Dr. Altony Lee, III with FCAN’s Advocacy Fellows. Right image: Wendy Dodge, Chad Davis, and FCAN’s Advocacy Fellows.
A New Generation of Leaders
FCAN’s 2024-25 Advocacy Fellows
Through this experience, students gained confidence, professionalism, and a deeper understanding of how policy affects their futures. They left Tallahassee inspired to continue advocating for their peers and future generations.
“There are so many other students just like me who are breaking barriers,” said Clune Hill, student at the University of Florida. “Even though our stories are not the same, our goals are.”
As the FCAN Advocacy Fellows return to their communities, they bring with them not only new knowledge and leadership skills but also the courage to continue advocating for an education system that helps position all of Florida’s students for career success.