Story By: Anthony Lopez
College students from across Alabama made their voices heard in Montgomery for “Higher Ed Day.”
Students from the University of Montevallo marched alongside Alabama’s 13 other public universities to advocate for the continued funding towards higher education.
UM Student Government Association Vice President Caleb Jernigan was one of almost two dozen Montevallo students who made the trip to the state capitol.
Jernigan emphasizes public universities rely on state funding to remain affordable and still maintain ample opportunities for students.
“College has a way of connecting people that’s just not found anywhere else,” Jernigan said, ” and through higher education, that’s how that’s accomplished.”
Jernigan says higher education creates opportunities for people to find what they are good at and apply their skills and passions in the workforce and other aspects of their lives.
Higher education’s impact on Alabama
According to the Higher Education Partnership of Alabama’s website, higher education provides a $20 billion economic impact for the state of Alabama.
Despite this economic impact, the state of Alabama ranks 11th out of the 16 Southeastern states.
In terms of workforce, only 26% of Alabamians have a four-year degree, compared to 33% nationwide.
The Higher Education Partnership of Alabama aims to advocate for increased funding to higher education to improve Alabama’s economy and retention rates in the state.
Vallo Vision News 