A Ticket to the Middle Class:  

A Student Public Policy Summit on Higher Education

This event, coordinated by students, staff and faculty from both Keene State College and Mount Wachusett Community College, will provide opportunities for students across the Northeast region to participate in a mock Congress, hear expert perspectives on economic inequality from multiple perspectives and network with their peers from New England. Over two days, students will come together to discuss, debate and learn about the proposals for free college. Ultimately, students will develop and vote upon a Resolution, and will have the opportunity to submit their recommendations to their elected officials and institutions of higher education.

Students will examine the cost of higher education, including issues of student debt, and proposals for free college/free tuition/debt free college; the value of higher education, and what a college degree means for those who have it and those who do not; how to fund higher education more effectively, and specifically, if some form of higher education is made free; and, access to higher education, including such issues as placement testing and discussions of higher education as a right vs. a privilege.

Institutions may register up to 20 students each. All undergraduate students must be registered with an advisor from their institution. Requests for additional students may be made by contacting the event coordinators at 978-630-9435. A registration fee of $85/participant will be due before the event. Bills will be mailed after registration. 

Register Now! 

 

Agenda

SATURDAY, 4/2

9 AM - 10 AM: Breakfast & Registration

10 AM - 12 PM: Welcome & Opening Keynote Session by Makese Motley

12 PM - 1 PM: Lunch & Networking

1 PM - 2 PM: Breakout Session I: Parliamentary Procedure / Political Ideologies

2 PM - 3 PM: Breakout Session II: Parliamentary Procedure / Political Ideologies

3 PM - 3:30 PM: Break

3:30 PM - 4PM: Senate Introduction: Presided over by Keene and MWCC Student Body Presidents

4 PM - 5:30: Committee Meetings

5:30 PM - 6 PM: Debrief

6 PM - 7PM: Dinner

7 PM - 8 PM: Panel: "Is our System Broken, and Why is it Difficult to Have Conversations or Make Progress?"

8 PM - 10 PM: Optional Student Activities

 

SUNDAY, 4/3 

8 AM - 9 AM: Breakfast & Networking

9 AM - 9:30 AM: Perspectives on Change by Elected Officials

9:30 AM - 11 AM: Committee Meetings

11 AM - 11:30 AM: Presentation of Resolution

11:30 AM - 12:30 PM: Debate

12:30 PM - 1:30 PM: Lunch

1:30 PM - 3 PM: Debate

3 PM - 4 PM: Vote & Closing

Register Now!