Students Inside Albany (SIA) is a program of the League of Women Voters of New York State Educational Foundation. SIA brings together young people from across the state to Albany for a first-hand look at the work of their state government. For more than 25 years, the League of Women Voters of the Cooperstown Area has sponsored local students to Students Inside Albany. The 2026 conference was held May 17-20, 2026.
Each SIA will bring together more than 60 students from across the state for this hands-on experience about how state government works. 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. 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, and citizen rights to access government information. While in Albany, the students will also tour the state’s Capitol, attend a legislative session and shadow their Senator and their Assemblymember for an afternoon.
To get an idea of what the program encompasses, check out the commentary on WAMC Public Radio about the experience by Dylan Mabee, the SIA delegate from the LWV Albany County in 2026
The 2026 LWV Cooperstown delegates to SIA, Ciaran O'Sullivan and Jacob T. Johnson, were both from Cooperstown High School. Both spoke to the League Board when they returned, sharing their enthusiasm for the program. Jacob reported that it was especially exciting to meet students from around the state who were interested in the political process. The program encouraged him to consider pursuing political science. Ciaran has already volunteered to work with the League on voter registration.
The Cooperstown League endeavors to send two delegates to Albany each year. SIA is supported by the LWVNY Education Foundation and by donors to the League of Women Voters of the Cooperstown Area. The Cooperstown League covers all expenses, but students must arrange their own transportation.We welcome conations in support of SIA. Visit our donate page or use a credit card to donate directly to the LWV Cooperstown' Edudation Fund account.
Deadline for applications is January 30, 2027. Check back in the Fall for details about applying.
Students who attend high schools in the Cooperstown area or students who are home-schooled and live in one of the qualifying school districts are invited to apply for SIA. Applications will be available through school guidance counselors. Home school students should contact their local district’s guidance counselor.
The qualifying school districts are: Cherry Valley-Springfield Central School District; Cooperstown Central School District; Edmeston Central School; Laurens Central School; Milford Central School; Morris Central School District; Richfield Springs Central School District; Schenevus Central School District; and Worcester Central School District.
Contact Merle Myerson, LWVCA SIA coordinator, for more information (merlemyerson [at] gmail.com).
