In recent months, the federal government has bailed out banks, auto companies and, to a lesser extent, families and individuals via programs built into its economic stimulus package. College students are now in need of a helping hand. And the government needs to step up.
Organizations that provide private college scholarship have cut back on the money they give to students, thanks in part to the economic downturn. Funding sources have either been reduced or completely eliminated, to the detriment of those wanting to further their education. These cuts, combined with a difficult economic climate that makes it even harder for families to afford college tuition, are dashing the college dreams of numerous students across the country, most of whom come from working and middle class families.
Even though the economy has made things difficult for numerous industries, now is not the time for scholarship cutbacks. During an economic downturn, Americans should be encouraged to return to school to obtain training, increase their skills or to develop new ones. This way, when things improve – and they always do – these individuals will be better prepared for the job market. The quality of workers available to employers will have improved and companies will be motivated to refrain from outsourcing key jobs.
The financial coffers of the foundations and other organizations that offer scholarships are drained. So the government must step in. Given the assistance that has been extended to other industries, it is not too much to ask that the government help the workers who may potentially help grow these sectors in the future. Because state scholarship programs have also taken a hit – California is considering shutting down its state scholarship program and Pennsylvania has reduced the amount of funds available to students – the responsibility falls on the federal government to ensure students have access to money for college.
The federal government should either expand the economic stimulus package to include funds for college scholarships or create a new funding source specifically for this purpose. Additionally, federal grants to students need to be further extended and programs designed to eliminate student loan debt in exchange for work – i.e. teaching for a year, working in new industries in city’s hit by urban blight – need to be researched and implemented.
Some have argued that the current administration is on a spending frenzy and will attempt to block the allocation of additional funds for college students. However, even in an economic crisis, it is important to invest in the future. And there is nothing more important to the continued growth of this country’s economy than its workforce.
where shall I begin? I am a mother of six beautiful children, I had them very young thinking I knew what I was doing. well now that I am older life has became reality. WOW. I am a caring person everything I do it is for society and people other than myself. I use to be a nothing a nobody just sitting around waiting for death to knock at my door. Then I came accross your show, you introduction has made me think everytime I seen your show. I thought to myself he has been through heck and back, and look at him now. People look up to you, yo became somebody WOW. So I turned my life around I enrolled in college I hold a 3.8 gpa and recieved a deans certificate. I am trying my best to be the top one in class despite lifes down sides. I am mother of the year to my children, I am now a great student, I am getting there and one day me and you are going to cross paths and I can not wait to shake the hand of the man who changed my views of life. I WILL be a warden of a prison someday, my education will not stop at an associates degree I WILL get my MBA. I am going to get up there, I will no longer be apart of a poverty chain. THANKS SO MUCH. Hope to hear from you soon. I want to do something with the schools in the poor parts of colorado that I know of one being my kids school to show the kids that there truly are doors that will open for them as it did for you and I. To stay in school and be a somebody oopose to be a nobody. I hope you can give tips or help me. thanks ..
I agree with this post! I am a college student myself, and it is hard out here!. My cousin jsut finished college, and is having so many problems landing a job, to pay his student loans back within the time frame that they give you after you graduate. Even with the different colleges, they all tell you that they offer employment placement assistance, but at the end, it’s like they tell you somethin in a whole different field than what you earned your degree in. This is going to be a tough ride, especially for the upcoming graduates of high school.
Hello, I’m searing your website, and I think what you are doing is very good for tons of people of the world. I think it’s cool. But you’re right, the economy is a mess right now. I’m a 29 yr old female trying to make my way. I live at home with my mother. I like to think that my mom and I are a team. I wouldn’t be doing this if I didn’t need your help. I’m currently unemployed. I have also gone back to school to further my education. But I’m looking for work. I live in Waldorf, MD. Nothing I seems to go right for me. I’m really at my breaking point where I just want to give up. I’ve gone to temp agencies, career fair, searched job websites, filled out online applicatios. I used to work as an Armed Contract Security Officer. So I have a government clearence which the level is “SECRET”. I’ve been trying to get a “TOP SECRET” clearence. If you or any of your organizations can help me I would be greatful. Judge Mathis, I am so afraid that if I don’t get a job and do my part I will lose my home and become homeless. Also at the end of tis month, which is September 30th, my mother’s job will end. Judge Mathis if you can help, Please help us out. My mother has worked to hard to lose her home. If we lose our home we have nowhere to go. I PRAY and cry myself to sleep every night. Once again, I live in Waldorf, MD. my e-mail is shawntise792000@yahoo.com I am trying to get into the Federal Government within the Administrative Capacity. (Even if I start out as a Receponist, Assistant, Secretary). Thanks for listening.
I also agree with this post. I have recently been forced to take time out of school due to finacial issues. I am commented to finishing my bachelor degree in criminal justice but was told I have little time to pay up or drop out which is not an option. I owe it to my kids and the community to finish school. So where can I turn for help? Milwaukee,Wi need ex-offenders like myself to help reach our children so you would think I would have no problem with funding for school but thats not the case.REGHAR64
Judge Mathis, thank you for addressing the need for educational funds and incentives to be increased not decreased. However, there is another problem; and that is online schools promising an education that is not delivered and deferring students’ dreams. These schools need to be regulated, as they are taking our hard to get scholarships and loans that have to be paid back. Whether they do their part or not we as students are still obligated to pay back these loans. This is unfair and can be discouraging, since you are now in debt for an education you did not receive. Educators are like laws that can make or break you depending on the side you happen to end up on. Going back to school is a hard decision, whether its right out of high school or attending as an adult. This is a setup for failure and that is unacceptable. We all want a better life and getting a degree is the first step towards being gainfully employed and independence.