South Colonie’s Youth Advisory Board got a chance to step out of the classroom to see civics in action. Select students from Colonie Central High School took a field trip to Albany’s Capitol Building to get a front-row seat to the inner workings of New York State government.

The students were given a tour of the building, sat in on a live budget hearing and met with State Senator Jake Ashby. The students participated in a lively discussion with Ashby, discussing topics such as the future of Artificial Intelligence and its potential impact, as well as the intricacies of the state budget.

"This visit was more than just learning about policy — it was being a part of it,” said Associate Principal Tess McCarthy. “This experience really reinforced that their voices matter right now, not just in the future."

Colonie students made the visit to the capitol along with students from North Colonie and the Christian Brothers Academy.