Assemblyman Billy Jones (D-Chateaugay) announced a strong showing of local high school students, parents and other members of the community at a recent event that focused on college affordability. Thursday evening, roughly 75 people gathered in the Stafford Science & Technology Building Theatre at Clinton Community College for Jones’ “Financial Aid Forum” to learn more about applying and paying for higher education.

“It was great to see so many people eager to learn more about the costs associated with college,” Jones said. “Throughout the event, parents and students took notes, remained engaged in the various topics and asked great questions during the Q and A portion of the forum.”

“As a parent of a high school student, I have attended three financial aid forums with my husband and son,” said Susan MacKinnon of Mooers. “This forum was by far the most informational. The wide array of panelists helped to answer our questions and ease many of our concerns about sending our son to college.”

Ray DiPasquale, President of Clinton Community College, started the event by thanking everyone for coming and commending the Assemblyman for partnering with the school to help families throughout the North Country plan for the future.

“Throughout my tenure as President of CCC, I have been fortunate to collaborate with Assemblyman Jones on multiple occasions,” said DiPasquale. “It’s been a privilege to work with someone that continues to be a passionate voice for the North Country.”

Several times throughout the forum, Jones stressed the need to help families explore every option when it comes to making college as affordable as possible.

“I hate to hear that students are foregoing college because they can’t afford it,” said Jones. “If people wish to further their education, we must do everything we can to lessen the financial burden and help these students achieve their goal of obtaining a degree.”