Policymakers seek student advice

High-powered state policymakers came to Albany High School on Wednesday to meet with students and hear about their experiences applying for college financial aid.

State University of New York Chancellor John B. King, Deputy Secretary for Education Maria Fernandez and Assembly Higher Education Committee Chair Patricia A. Fahy had a roundtable discussion with some 20 college-bound Albany High seniors to discuss any obstacles they faced in completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) applications, both of which help determine whether a student is eligible for college financial aid.

City School District of Albany Superintendent Joseph Hochreiter and Albany High Principal Jodi Commerford took notes during the conversation about how they can make the aid application process easier for students, as well.

Each year, the Albany High Guidance Department holds several sessions to help students and families complete FAFSA, TAP and other financial aid application forms. This year, Guidance also partnered with SUNY in a program where SUNY students take Albany High students and families through the application process step-by-step.

Another session is scheduled Friday from 9 a.m.-noon in the library.

After talking to students, SUNY held a news conference about the availability of college financial assistance and the importance of high school seniors applying for it.