Starting college isn’t just about picking a major or getting good grades; it’s also about discovering who you are, what you care about, and where your voice can make a difference. At Chapman University, students are encouraged to explore a range of experiences both inside and outside the classroom. For some, that might mean pursuing research, launching a creative project, or joining a club. For others, it could mean stepping into the world of public policy and learning what it means to advocate for change.
This past spring, three Chapman students, Emma Walker ’25, Zoe Zadah ’26, and Cintya Felix ’26, took that step. They joined peers from across California to advocate for increased access to Cal Grants during the 2025 Day at the Capitol event, part of the Independent California Colleges Advocate Program (ICCAP). The program, organized by the Association of Independent California Colleges and Universities (AICCU), is a six-month hybrid internship that gives students firsthand experience with higher education policy, advocacy, leadership, and communication.
This kind of opportunity is just one example of how Chapman students can shape their college years in meaningful and personalized ways.
For Walker, Zadah, and Felix, the experience was rooted in both personal passion and lived experience.
“I grew up just five minutes from the world’s busiest border in Tijuana, where I was surrounded by the realities of migration and poverty,” said Felix. “As a Cal Grant recipient, I know how vital financial aid is, especially for first-generation and historically underrepresented students.”
Walker echoed the power of bringing your story to the table.
“As someone whose life changed through financial aid, I knew my story could help lawmakers understand the impact of these programs,” Walker said. “I wanted to find my voice and speak up for other students like me.”
For Zadah, the program aligned with her growing interest in public service and gave her a new perspective on civic engagement.
“I wanted firsthand experience with legislative advocacy and a better understanding of the policymaking process,” Zadah said.
The students met with policymakers and staff from the offices of Assemblymember Avelino Valencia, Senator Tom Umberg, and Governor Gavin Newsom to advocate for Assembly Bill 402, a bill that seeks to expand Cal Grant eligibility for students transferring to independent colleges.
“Speaking directly with lawmakers was empowering,” said Felix. “It wasn’t just about numbers, it was about real students juggling work, school, and financial stress to pursue their degrees.”
“It was eye-opening to see how willing legislators were to listen to our concerns,” Zadah said. “It reminded me that student stories really do matter.”
Chapman’s strong commitment to experiential learning helped make the opportunity possible. The university provided financial support for student travel, and courses like Professor Carrie Nocella’s Lobbying and Legislative Advocacy helped students prepare for real-world policy conversations.
Walker reflected on the significance of the university’s investment in student voice. Zadah noted that the experience gave her clarity about her future career path. Felix pointed to the preparation she received in the classroom as key to her success in Sacramento.
Beyond policy, the trip left a lasting impact on each student. Walker stood on the Capitol steps to share her story with lawmakers. Zadah explored Sacramento’s downtown and documented the trip through photography. Felix was inspired by a meeting with Michael B. Wiafe, Assistant Deputy Cabinet Secretary in the Governor’s Office, who began his own career in student government.
“In an ever-changing higher education landscape, student perspectives are the most critical to hear,” said Walker.
As the new school year passes its first month, students have the chance to shape their own Chapman journeys. Whether through policy, research, creativity, or community service, experiences like ICCAP show how powerful it can be to explore something new, which could lead to creating lasting change.
