Youth Programs
Two Ithaca High School Seniors represent the League of Women Voters of Tompkins County
LOCAL STUDENTS CHOSEN TO ATTEND 2026 STUDENTS INSIDE ALBANY PROGRAM
ITHACA, NY Corallus Meeks, a junior at Ithaca High School; Claire Springston, a senior at New Roots Charter School; and June Wofford, a senior at Charles O Dickerson High School in Trumansburg, were chosen to represent Tompkins County at this year’s Students Inside Albany conference sponsored by the League of Women Voters of New York State Education Foundation, Inc. The 26th annual Students Inside Albany program takes place from May 17-20. It brings 60 students from across the state to the Capitol for a first-hand education about their state government. The program is designed to increase high school students’ awareness of their responsibility in representative government and provide information about the tools necessary for meeting that responsibility.
While at the conference, students will participate in a series of interactive lectures on topics such as the state budget process, the role of lobbyists in the legislative process, citizen rights to access government information, the role of media in politics, and the move to reform state government. The highlight for most students is the opportunity to shadow their Senators and their Assemblymember for an afternoon attending session on the Chamber floors.
For more information on the Tompkins County League of Women Voters, please visit their website at: https://lwvtompkins.org/
For more information on the League of Women Voter of New York State Education Foundation, Inc., or the Students Inside Albany program, please visit their website at: www.lwvny.org.
The League of Women Voters of New York State is a nonpartisan political organization that encourages the informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues and influences public policy through education and advocacy. The League of Women Voters does not support or oppose candidates or political parties. Membership is open to all and provides the opportunity to be active and involved in local, state and national issues.
Students Inside Albany (SIA) Experience May 17-20, 2026
Nominations of Tompkins County high school juniors and seniors are sought for the 26th annual Students Inside Albany conference, which is scheduled to be held May 17-20, 2026, in Albany. The conference, sponsored by the League of Women Voters of New York State Education Foundation, Inc., is designed to increase students’ awareness of their responsibility in a representative government and provide the tools necessary for meeting that responsibility. This interactive conference will bring together high school students from across the state to learn about New York State government and the process by which citizens can participate in the policy making arena. As part of this program, students will also tour the Capitol and observe both the Senate and Assembly in action by spending an afternoon shadowing their legislators.
Tompkins County will send two delegates to the 2026 conference. All their expenses will be covered, including travel and three nights at a hotel in downtown Albany, and they will receive a one-year student membership in the League of Women Voters Tompkins County.
For more information contact Charlotte Coffman at LWVtompkins.info@gmail.com (EMAIL) or 607-351-9722 (TEXT/CELL).
Applications are due on January 27, 2026
• Students Inside Albany 2026 Brochure
• Invitation Letter
• Nomination Form
• Application Form
Contact Information
Charlotte Coffman, SIA Coordinator
LWVtompkins.info@gmail.com
(607) 351-9722