Nearly 60 Montgomery College students, along with many more students from Maryland's 16 community colleges, gathered in the State Capital on February 11 to meet with lawmakers and to urge them to support community colleges in the FY2010 budget.

<b>To view images from the event, click on this link: </B>http://www.montgomerycollege.edu/news/insidemcphotos/student_advocacy_day2009/

"I am excited to be here and to help represent community college students," said Dam Le, a second year Montgomery College student.

Students, like Le, emphasized that more displaced workers and entering college freshmen choose to attend their local community colleges in tough economic times, making the institutions a good investment in tough times.

Students gathered for the kickoff of "Student Advocacy Day" event in the Presidential Conference Room of the Miller Senate Office Building.

"Thank you for the investment youre making in yourself," said Lt. Governor Anthony Brown, who attended the opening ceremony. "We need you... Thank you for what you do."

Other speakers included student leaders, and House Speaker Michael Busch, Senators Catherine Pugh, Jim Robey, and Mac Middleton. Many community college presidents were also in attendance. Montgomery College President Brian Johnson joined the students on visits to their respective Delegates and Senators.

While advocating for budget and legislative priorities of their colleges, students wanted to raise awareness of the important roles played by Maryland's community colleges in higher education.