Stephanie Isacco, a Seton Hill University sophomore, will participate in the Association of Independent Colleges and Universities of Pennsylvania Annual Student Lobby Day in Harrisburg on Tuesday, March 24. Isacco, of Karns City, Pa., will have the opportunity to meet with legislative officials and staff members.

Last year, as a result of the weak economy, students faced reductions as high as $500 from their grants. The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) Student Grant Program is likely to be reduced even further this year. Throughout the day, students will be asking legislators for a five percent increase in the state’s appropriation to the Grant Program ($20.4 million). Legislative commitment to Pennsylvania college students had made ten percent funding increases relatively customary in the recent past.

The Association of Independent Colleges & Universities of Pennsylvania (AICUP), the only statewide organization that serves exclusively the interests of private higher education within the Commonwealth, exists to complement and support the work of campus leaders. With a membership of 84 private colleges and universities within Pennsylvania, the Association provides a variety of services and programs tailored specifically to the needs and situation of independent higher education. A list of AICUP’s member colleges and universities is included on its website at www.aicup.org.