Published: Wednesday, 19 December 2018
Looking to make a difference? Your opportunity to make an impact is an application away! Join forces with the California State Student Association and get the chance to directly lobby on behalf of Long Beach State students by applying to attend the California Higher Education Student Summit (CHESS).
CHESS is a two-day annual conference that brings together student leaders from all 23 California State University (CSU) campuses to empower and prepare them to become advocates for higher education. LBSU students will have the chance to travel to Sacramento to meet with representatives, discuss issues regarding student success and lobby on behalf of their peers.
“This is an opportunity for students to be directly involved with the future of higher education and the CSU system,” said Joseph Nino, chair of CSSA and former ASI president. “Legislators need to see that there are faces behind the CSU, and it’s important that we share the students’ stories.”
During the conference, students will participate in various training sessions on student leadership and governance, higher education and public policy and how to conduct a successful lobby visit. On the final day, students will translate their knowledge into action on CSU Student Advocacy Day at the California State Capitol building and lobby directly to state legislators.
ASI President Genesis Jara credits attending CHESS as a freshman as one of the reasons she wanted to get more involved in student government.
“It was because of that trip and the chance to lobby state legislators as a freshman that showed me that our voices actually have an impact,” said Jara. “Regardless of your major or your career aspirations, it’s a life-changing experience and it really pushes you out of your element to advocate for a cause bigger than yourself.”
CHESS will take place in Sacramento from March 9 to March 11, 2019. Applications are open to all students and are due by Jan. 25 at 4 p.m. To learn more and submit your application, visit www.asicsulb.org/chess.
