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MSJC Student Leaders Advocate for Community College Students in Washington, D.C.

3/16/2026

Student leaders from Mt. San Jacinto College recently traveled to Washington, D.C., to participate in the inaugural Federal Advocacy Academy organized by the Student Senate for California Community Colleges (SSCCC), joining peers from across the state to advocate for community college students at the national level.

The academy brought together student government representatives from California community colleges to learn about federal policymaking and to elevate student perspectives on key issues, including educational equity, basic needs, financial aid, and access to higher education. Participants engaged in a series of workshops, including Advocacy 101, Differences Between Federal and State Advocacy, Storytelling for Policy Impact, and sessions examining federal policies affecting financial aid and student support services.

Representing MSJC were Student Government Association leaders Serenity Siler (Menifee Valley Campus Senator and UMOJA President), Corey Tatum (Menifee Valley Campus Senator and A2MEND President), Lamari Oliver (Temecula Valley Campus Senator), Geneva Davisson (Temecula Valley Campus Senator), and Claudia Walukouw (MSJC Student Trustee). Student advisors Amber Rivera and Deja Pruitt also accompanied the delegation.

During the trip, MSJC students had the opportunity to visit the United States Capitol and meet with congressional staff from Congressman Ken Calvert's office, including Legislative Assistant Marshall Bessey. The students also attended events where they met Senator Alex Padilla during a town hall and Congressman Mark Takano at a dinner honoring his public service.

For many students, the experience marked their first opportunity to engage directly with the federal policy process.

“I wanted to go to Washington, D.C., so I could take my advocacy to the next level,” said Serenity Siler. “D.C. allowed me to get opportunities such as talking with representatives and networking with other colleges. I think it’s a great opportunity for students to learn about what is going on in our economy and how our voices can make a change. It was a very fun experience overall, and I really hope that other people can experience the same thing.”

Lamari Oliver said the experience helped demonstrate how student voices can influence policy discussions.

“I wanted to go to Washington, D.C., so I can start my first advocacy as a community college student,” Oliver said. “This trip gave me the experience and ability to talk to people who make the real changes that matter in our community and country. I learned about the power of our voices and the power of connection to one another. D.C. wasn’t only fun but educational, and all students should try to attend if given the opportunity.”

Geneva Davisson said the academy helped her better understand how federal policies impact students across the country.

“My experience in Washington, D.C., introduced me to many other community college student government officers,” Davisson said. “I had the opportunity to create realistic goals at the community college level and learned how federal decisions impact students. Not only was D.C. educational, but I also got 26,000 steps in one day, loads of pizza, and enjoyed the sightseeing.”

The Federal Advocacy Academy provided MSJC student leaders with hands-on experience in civic engagement and public policy, reinforcing the college’s commitment to preparing students not only for academic and career success but also for informed participation in democratic processes.