Maryland PIRG Staff
Rich Williams is the Maryland PIRG Higher Education Advocate.
Since 2008, Williams has worked to represent college students before the White House, Congress and the Department of Education. His expertise is federal higher education policy, including affordable textbooks, student aid, grants, and loans. His views and opinions have appeared in the New York Times, Washington Post, USA Today and other publications.
A first generation college student, Williams started organizing for higher education while a student at Coconino Community College and Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, Arizona. He spearheaded a statewide affordable textbooks campaign, organizing public university students, professors and Regents to introduce and pass a bill in the state legislature making textbooks more affordable. He graduated in 2008 with a degree in history.
Internships
Work on important issues, learn valuable skills, get hands-on experience, and make a difference.
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Students let Professors know they want more affordable Textbooks! -
College Park citizens cast their votes in the City Council election. -
Students participate in a survey about water bottle use and accessibility to refilling stations on campus. -
Tabling at the First Look Fair with over 200 other student groups! -
The Textbook Rebellion comes to town demonstrating the need for more affordable textbooks. -
Calling interested volunteers to Get Involved with MaryPIRG! -
Our zombie volunteers exemplify what happens to textbooks after they 'die' at the end of the semester. -
The Food Recovery Network donates another carload of food to the hungry in DC. -
Follow the Vote Goat to vote during the city council election. -
MaryPIRG students collect canned food for the Canpaign at UMD. -
Gravestone from the Textbooks Graveyard showing the need for more affordable textbook options.