Susquehanna Valley High School senior Nicholas Gates is getting a crash course in New York State government this week, thanks to the League of Women Voters. The organization's NYS Education Foundation selected Nick for its Students Inside Albany program, May 19-22. The program brings 60 students from all over New York to the state capital for some first-hand education about government. 

Nick will be joining his peers 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.  

While in Albany, the students will have an opportunity to tour the state’s Capitol. The highlight for most students is the opportunity to shadow their Senators and their Assembly member for an afternoon attending session on the Chamber floors. 

Nicholas Gates is a student in the Broome-Tioga BOCES New Visions Law and Government Academy and has over 120 hours of shadowing with Ferrara Fiorenza PC, Binghamton Mayor’s Office, and others. He will attend SUNY-Albany in the fall to study Public Policy and Pre-Law.  He enjoys French Club and Art Club, working out at the gym, volunteering, and utilizing the Broome County Public Library.

For information on the League of Women Voters of New York State Education Foundation, Inc or the Students Inside Albany program, please visit their website at: www.lwvny.org.