With higher education costs on the rise, it’s becoming increasingly important to seek funding in new and innovative ways. Schools should consider three distinct stages of student support in these conversations – pre-college, during college, and post-college. From fundraising to receiving a higher education grant, institutional initiatives like these ultimately benefit students.
Increases diversity
A higher education grant provides low-income students with the opportunity to attend college. Without assistance, too many students are unable to pursue the education they desire and deserve. As the doors of opportunity open for a wider and more diverse population, our culture and future benefits from their contributions and perspectives.
Supports facility improvements
The “feel” of a campus is what often draws students to choose one university over another. When a higher education grant improves facilities, a university is able to provide an environment that attracts students. If a student is positively immersed in the college campus experience with well-designed, safe, inviting spaces, they are more likely to be invested alumni as well.
Improves quality of education
When professors receive a higher education grant that allows them to research their area of interest, their expertise grows. Ideally, this directly impacts the quality of education in the classroom. Students stay current on research, trends, and best practices in their chosen field and are ready for the workplace.
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Impacts societal change
Funded by a higher education grant, the doors to social change are wide open. For instance, students can engage in and initiate needed changes in our society through the development of organizations and nonprofits. Equipped with resources, students are able to spend their time in places that matter deeply to them and lead their peers into similar initiatives.
Accelerates their career
As paid internships are more the norm with the assistance of a higher education grant, students are better positioned for future employment. With the added incentive of pay, they are more likely to invest in their experience. They connect to future mentors and employers and are able to make meaningful contributions to their workplace straight out of their undergraduate career.
Funds undergraduate research
In addition to faculty benefitting from funded research, undergraduate students do as well. A higher education grant paves the way for students to pursue research in important fields, like healthcare, social reform, and technology. Each grant given has impact as students grow confident in their ability to affect and change the future.
Improves student retention
Affordability is a big factor in keeping students through degree completion. So any higher education grant that supports saving for, investing in, and preparing for the college experience increases the ability of students to finish their degree. Both students and institutions benefit with the support of financial wellbeing.
Higher education grants are needed through all three stages of the student experience – pre-college, during college, and post-college. Initiatives designed to support each of these seasons are equally important. Without preparation for, support during, and reinforcement after, student potential and opportunity may be left unfulfilled.
