Whether you are a student, graduate, trustee, or seasoned faculty or staff member, we encourage you to speak to the impact of a State System education—positive and lasting personal and professional success.

Below are a sample meeting script, social media posts, and a sample letter that we encourage you to make your own during the 2021 Advocacy Campaign.


 Sample Meeting Script

Hello, my name is __________ and I am both a constituent and a student of __________ University of Pennsylvania. Thank you for meeting with us.  

We're speaking with you to ask you to ensure that students like us have access to a high-quality affordable State System degree and expanded educational opportunities. And we know that increased financial support is necessary for the System to continue its mission, and a thriving commonwealth is dependent on an educated workforce. 

From my experiences, I know I am well-equipped to positively contribute to Pennsylvania. Are you familiar or have any family attending a System university? 
 
Let me tell you about the impact my university has made in my life...  

Did you know? A year after graduation, 94 percent of alumni are employed, continuing their education or serving in the military. On average, 40 years after graduating, System alumni receive a return of investment of more than $866K. The General Assembly's best bet is to increase investment in the State System. 

My fellow students can provide their unique perspectives, too...  
 
The System is seeking a two percent increase in state appropriations to "carry current operations" and an additional $25 million to modernize infrastructure. Increased funding ensures the System can continue its commitment to affordability and its transformation to become more student-centered. 
 
Will you support a 2 percent increase in state funding for the System? The state's investment will pay dividends. Universities contribute nearly $11 for every one dollar of public funds expended! 
 
We hope our stories illustrate the positive impact of System universities, such as __________ University. 
 
Thank you for your attention and commitment to the State System. It truly does make a difference. Do you need any additional information? 

 Sample Social Media Posts

Note: The State System is not on Instagram so please tag your university on this platform. 

As the FY 21-22 #PABudget is discussed, we ask the General Assembly to support @statesystem universities. #Redesigned4PA 
 
#PABudget must provide robust support for @statesystem to keep tuition low. #Redesigned4PA 
 
We urge the General Assembly to support @statesystem #Redesigned4PA with at least a 2 percent increase.  
 
Providing robust support in the next #PABudget is critical to @statesystem providing an affordable public higher education option. #Redesigned4PA 
 
PA General Assembly must take action to help @statesystem hold its place as the affordable public higher education option. #Redesigned4PA  

In the next #PABudget, the General Assembly must provide state appropriations that support @statesystem redesign efforts. #Redesigned4PA 
 
Success of @statesystem is critical to the success of PA’s economic future. Join us & ask PA General Assembly to support increased funding. #Redesigned4PA 
 
.@statesystem universities provide pathways to a better life for students. To continue providing career-relevant post-secondary higher education opportunities, they need #PABudget support. #Redesigned4PA  
 
My @statesystem university is providing access to high-value high-demand programs that are preparing me to make positive contributions to PA. #Redesigned4PA  

.@statesystem universities are critical to the future of PA & more state funding will ensure PA has the educated workforce it needs. #Redesigned4PA  
 
My @statesystem education will deliver an excellent return on my investment. On avg. 40 years after graduation @statesystem alumni receive a return of more than $866K. #Redesigned4PA 

 Sample Letter

Dear (Senator/Representative Last Name):

I urge you to support increased funding for Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education, which would help ensure that future students like me have access to a high-quality affordable State System degree. As a constituent who attends (your university) studying (your program) who will soon (your employment plans), I thought I should bring the positive effects of the State System to your attention. 

From my experiences, I know I am well-equipped to positively contribute to Pennsylvania’s economy. Did you know? A year after graduation, 94 percent of alumni are employed, continuing their education or serving in the military. What’s more, on average, 40 years after graduating, System alumni receive a return of investment of more than $866K. 

This fiscal year the System is seeking a two percent increase in state appropriations and an additional $25 million to support a plan to expand opportunities and to improve affordability, student outcomes, reduce attainment gaps, and expand partnerships. It will support its transformation to become more student-centered. 

Will you support a 2 percent increase in state funding for the System? The state's investment will pay dividends. Universities contribute nearly $11 for every one dollar of public funds expended! 

I urge you to support increased funding for Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education. May I count on your support? I look forward to receiving your answer. 

Thank you for considering my request on this matter. I hope that my expressed support will make a difference in your decision as you consider the FY 21-22 state budget.