Finishing college gives low-income, first-generation students a much better chance at breaking the cycle of poverty. College affordability is essential for these students to achieve college completion, and scholarships can bridge the gap between what is covered by financial aid and the total cost of college attendance.
College graduates make significantly more over their lifetime. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the average salary for 25–34-year-olds with a college degree is $57,900, versus $34,900 for those with only a high school degree and $36,600 with some college. Also, findings by the The Education Trust show that with only a high school diploma, almost half of children born into poverty will remain in poverty as adults. A college degree reduces those chances to one in six. But for students to increase their odds of getting out of poverty by attaining a college education, schools need to be more affordable.
SEED’s college-preparatory programming is centered on guiding our scholars not just to enroll in but to also graduate from college. One of the ways we do this by offering scholarship funding. Access to scholarships give students more choices when they are making decisions about which school to attend and helps students persist to college completion. SEED Foundation Scholarship recipient JieJer Patrick (SEED DC ‘18), is currently enrolled at SUNY-Purchase, where he is studying theater performance and psychology. Before receiving The SEED Foundation Scholarship, JieJer said, “I was applying for scholarships, but I wasn’t hearing anything. I saw the balance I had to fund my education at SUNY, and I began to stress and wonder, what’s the point?” Being awarded The SEED Foundation Scholarship is helping JieJer afford to attend his top choice and to further develop his talents and interests. Scholarship funding helped cover the difference between his financial aid award and his total college expenses. He’s focusing now on his goals to work as both an actor and a counselor for children in schools.
The difference between the sticker price of college tuition and the actual costs of attendance can be significant. For some students, those added costs can impact their ability to finish their degree and pursue their goals. Scholarships can also help alleviate financial stress, allowing students to focus more mental energy on their studies and their goals for after college.
De’Nayia Bennet (SEED DC ’19), is in her sophomore year at Towson University, working towards a career in theater, an interest that was sparked by an internship at Ford’s Theater while she was at SEED. She says The SEED Foundation Scholarship alleviated some of the financial pressures of college. “It’s stressful to always have to think about money. It can take a toll on your mental health.” Having The SEED Foundation Scholarship meant that she did not have to take out loans for additional expenses such as books.
Scholarships are a significant support to help low-income students on the path toward college completion and to give them the chance to build financially sustainable and fulfilling futures.
For those considering donating to The SEED Foundation Scholarship Campaign, JieJer says “If you’re donating, think about it as investing in the future, in the next generation. Just know that we are very thankful, and your support is a tremendous help.”