SGA Students Advocate in Juneau
Kodiak College Students Advocate for Higher Education in Juneau
Kodiak College Student Government President Jonni Myers and Student Government Senator Hector Suarez traveled to Juneau February 21–25 to advocate for the higher education needs of students and communities across Alaska. Their visit was part of the annual legislative fly-in organized by the Coalition of Student Leaders, a group composed of representatives from every University of Alaska student government, including community campuses.
The Coalition works to promote the educational needs, general welfare, and rights of all University of Alaska students. In addition to advocating with lawmakers, the group also serves as an advisory body to the University of Alaska president and statewide administration on issues affecting students across the system. As President, Myers represents Kodiak College’s SGA on the Coalition.
During the visit, Myers spoke with legislators about student food insecurity and mental health needs, issues she has championed during her time in student government. These priorities are deeply connected to work already happening at Kodiak College through the Student Food Pantry, the Food Assistance Program, and ongoing advocacy for expanded mental health services for students.
“These are big, challenging topics and ideas,” Myers said. “But everyone I spoke to understood how important these topics are for students.”
Suarez focused his advocacy on the importance of the Higher Education Investment Fund (HEIF). Established in 2012, HEIF is a state treasury fund designed to support financial aid programs such as the Alaska Performance Scholarship and the Alaska Education Grant. These programs aim to improve college-going rates and make higher education more affordable for Alaskans. Last year, lawmakers took nearly $130 million from the fund and, this year, have a supplemental budget package on the table intended to repay the HEIF.
Suarez emphasized the role financial aid plays in helping Alaskans pursue education and workforce credentials. “College is expensive,” Suarez said. “Alaskans need support to afford college, and without that funding it will be impossible for many to seek certifications and degrees that allow them to stay in the state or earn a living wage.”
Myers has served on the Kodiak College Student Government for two years, first as Vice President during the 2024–2025 academic year and now as President. Suarez is serving in his first year as a Student Government Senator.
Kodiak College Director and Student Government Advisor Jacelyn Keys praised the students for their dedication to representing their peers. “I’m so grateful and proud to have students who care so deeply about advocating for their fellow students and for our campus and system as a whole,” Keys said. “In the middle of a very busy time of year, these two students took five days to travel to Juneau and engage in the political process to advocate for a better system and a better world. Students like Jonni and Hector are how I know our world is going to be okay. They are active in making change here on this campus and out there advocating for it broadly.”
The annual trip provides students an opportunity to speak directly with lawmakers about the importance of higher education and the role the University of Alaska plays in supporting communities, workforce development, and the future of the state. For Myers and Suarez, the experience was not only about representing Kodiak College, but about ensuring the voices of students across Alaska are heard where decisions are made.