#affordablecollege

[22x20]

#imnotintopolitics Our 22x20 fellow thinks it’s very important that college is affordable to all. What do you think?

[powerfullyvelvettrance]

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[blanco-journey]

It was a heavy busy day especially concerning transportation so wasn’t able to make calls today. But celebrated a year with Ronie and the GOAT’s birthday. She’s been very helpful for my stressful days and depressing nights. She loves scratching me when I rest so she can eat once again but at least she loves being around me whenever I judge whether I’m under 205 lbs or not. Of course there’s a reason why I called her Ronie since she does like to curl up next to the Kirito plush. #SwordArtOnline The Greatest Hero of all time is someone to celebrate about and see if you can model after him but then the realization is that of course he can be that way since he’s in a country that offers #MedicareForAll #AffordableCollege #greentransportation and #InternetForAll conditions. Imagine that (though the issues of sexual harassment, immigration, and women’s equality in Japan Politics is pretty compelling). Oh and some new shows are coming up like #platinumend #sakugan and somehow #ScarletNexus is starting to get better when the action becomes a good vocal point. Imagine that. Oh what a Thursday. Raise the ceiling! Or just maybe consider abolishing the ceiling at all. (at Newcastle, California) https://www.instagram.com/p/CUwNNsrLTp6/?utm_medium=tumblr

[apscufku]

Rally for affordable college to be held in PA State Capitol

A rally for the PA Promise legislation will be held Wednesday, March 27th at 11 a.m.-12 p.m. in the Pennsylvania State Capitol. This event comes in light of the bill being reintroduced to state legislators at a press conference in January.

Pennsylvania currently has some of the highest student debt rates in the country. The per capita funding for higher education in Pennsylvania ranks 47th in the nation. The state is ranked 40th for the share of adults with an education beyond high school, according to data from State Senator Vincent Hughes Website.

The PA Promise aims to cover two years of tuition and fees for recent high school grads enrolled full-time at one of the 14 state public community colleges. It will also focus on cutting the cost for those who attend four year state and state-related universities.

Because of rising costs, more students are choosing not to enroll in college after high school graduation. “Pennsylvania Promise will open doors for students and keep students in school. It will help close the resources gap that has made a college degree such a huge hurdle for many low and middle-income students.” says Senator Hughes.

70% of students in Pennsylvania graduate with college debt according to the institute for College Access and Success. With numbers this high, it is clear that a solution must be created. The PA Promise may be just what we need.

Free bussing to the rally will be available for Kutztown students, staff, and faculty. If you are interested in attending, contact Sarra Guissé in the APSCUF-KU office: [email protected] to reserve your spot.

Works consulted:

http://www.senatorhughes.com/pennsylvania-promise-free-affordable-education/

[cahomelessyouth]

Current CA Legislation on Youth Homelessness

To kick off the 2019 legislative session, we thought we would highlight newly introduced bills involving policy that affect youth experiencing homelessness in some direct ways and some that are more indirect in their potential impact. We’ll be exploring these bills through the categories of education, housing and shelter, and programs and services. Each highlighted bill is hyper-linked to the original legislation.

Education

Combing the themes of shelter and education, one of the bills gaining a lot of media attention is Assembly Bill (AB) 302 introduced by Asm. Berman in which all community college campuses in California would be required to allow their students overnight access to campus parking lots to sleep along with 24 hr. parking attendant staff for safety. While this proposal doesn’t solve systemic affordable housing issues, it has done much to bring awareness to recent statistics that show 19 percent of community college students in California have experienced homelessness in the past year, nearly 1 in 5 students.

The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act is a federal grant program that assists districts with ensuring that K-12 students experiencing homelessness are able to enroll, attend and succeed in school. In order that school agencies and school liaisons for homeless children and youths, “are complying with the requirements for the education of homeless children and youths under the act,” AB 16 would attempt to assist state and local educational agencies in fulfilling the requirements of the McKinney-Vento act by providing funding to hire additional homeless coordinators for the state, requiring local educational agencies (LEAs) to identify all children and youth experiencing homelessness and providing training and technical assistance to those LEAs to better serve students experiencing homelessness with the goals of enrollment, attendance and success.

AB 806 was introduced by Asm. Bloom and would broaden the scope of foster and homeless youth who are granted priority registration and specific financial aid programs at California State Universities and community colleges and can apply for priority registration at University of California campuses. This bill would include formerly homeless youth to receive these benefits well as access to a student liaison who assists with helping the homeless and foster youth through the registration process and continue support once enrolled.

Other education-related bills recently introduced are AB 2 introduced by Asm. Santiago et al., to expand the existing California College Promise program which provides funding to community colleges so they can waive some or all fees for first time college students for one year who meet the requirements in their FAFSA or Dream Act applications. This bill would expand this funding to cover fee waivers for up to two years for qualified, full-time students. However, we know that most of the costs of attending college are not tuition, but housing, transportation, food, and books, limiting the amount of relief this bill would have on students. In addition, AB 148 by Sen. Glazer would establish a Student Success and On-Time Completion Fund to help incentivise participation in this program.

To bring an educational perspective to the table, AB 58 would require the Governor to appoint a State Department of Education representative to be a member of the Homeless Coordinating and Financing Council which identifies resources to reduce homelessness in California. And AB 337 would give emergency caregivers travel reimbursement so that they can transport foster children to their school of origen to provide ongoing stability for them.

Housing & Shelter

AB 307, authored by Asm. Reyes, would put funds toward developing and administering a grant program that would support young people experiencing homelessness by providing supportive services and establish or expand housing programs. Funding would prioritize service providers or agencies that participate in developing a local, youth-centered, coordinated entry system. Wanting to expand on an a current program, AB 995 by Asm. Ting, would expand the Transitional Housing Program-Plus, which currently allows former foster youth to access transitional housing between the ages of 18-24, to be able to have access to transitional housing if they exited the foster system on or after their 16th birthday.

Senate Bill (SB) 568, the College-Focused Rapid Rehousing Program authored by Senators  Portantino and Roth would provide students with supportive services in locating and transitioning to stable housing while remaining in college. The Multifamily Housing Program proposed in Asm.’s Rivas’ AB 14 would have funds specifically allocated for housing for homeless youth or families as well as long-term policies to ensure the prioritization of loans for housing projects in low-income neighborhoods. AB 139 authored by Asm, Quirk-Silva puts the needs of homeless individuals and families into consideration for future zoning and planning projects by gathering information from coordinated care services to project the housing needs of folks who are in contact with those services.

Senator Wiener has introduced SB 48 which would advance a bold stance, “... that every person living on California’s streets has the ability to promptly secure shelter that is safe and supportive…” The bill is aptly called the Right to Shelter bill and also includes some progressive ideas around issues common to people who access shelters- even defining what “the right to shelter” should include, such as being able to remain with one’s partner, have a place to safely sleep and keep one’s belongings, not needing to sign up for shelter daily and having access to supportive services that would allow for some stabilization of one’s life. SB 258 by Sen. Hertzberg addresses grants that would go to shelters in order to provide provisions and services to pets owned by individuals experiencing homelessness such as shelter, food and basic veterinary services.

Programs & Services

A standardized definition of homelessness has long been seen as a big challenge within Continuums of Care and amongst service delivery and funding amongst agencies and nonprofits who work with folks experiencing homelessness. In AB 67, Asm. Rivas suggests that the Homeless Coordinating and Financing Council review the current definitions of “homeless”, “homeless individual” and “homeless person” within the federal McKinney-Vento Act and consult with “state entities that provide programs and services to individuals and families who are homeless or at risk of homelessness” to develop a standardized definition of “homeless” and “at risk of homelessness” for programs and services to utilize.  

Research has supported the over-representation of LGBTQ youth in the numbers of youth experiencing homelessness as well as the adverse effects on the mental health of youth experiencing homelessness as well as being further marginalized based on their sexual orientation or gender identity. Asm. Lackey has responded to this fact by introducing AB 984 to add an LGBT Youth Suicide Prevention Program to the existing homeless youth emergency service projects in cities with large portions of homeless youth, such as San Francisco and Los Angeles. Finally, Asm. Calderon has introduced AB 344, the New Beginnings California Program to provide those in assisted living programs employment opportunity as well as job-readiness resources for to those not yet ready for employment.

There are a lot of crossover issues in these bills, which is a good thing! This may suggest that ideas for solutions to youth homelessness are taking on a more multidimensional and multidisciplinary approach. For instance, seeing more attention to combining policy for foster and former foster youth along with youth experiencing homelessness is more efficient as we know that unless there is ongoing support there is a high likelihood of foster youth becoming homeless. We are hopeful that these bills continue to move through the legislative process to be able to make positive impacts on California communities that need it the most.

[apscufku]

PA Promise reintroduced at press conference in Pennsylvania State Capitol.

Representatives and senators from Pennsylvania met on Wednesday, January 30th, at the state capitol to reintroduce the PA Promise legislation. The event was held at 9:30 A.M  and consisted of several speakers including public officials, and representatives from universities in the state.

First to speak was Senator Vincent Hughes who represents the 7th district. Senator Hughes stated, “Pennsylvania college students need a new deal when it comes to college and affordability.” referencing the troubling financial climate that the Pennsylvania higher education system is facing.

Currently, Pennsylvania is ranked 47th in the country for support for college funding, and 50th in higher education due to the debt amounts. Since 2000, tuition and fees have seen a 50% increase. “There is $1.5 trillion in student debt nationally. This is unacceptable.” Says Senator Hughes

In the state of Pennsylvania, student loan debt is $1.3 trillion collectively. The average rate of student loan debt per student is currently $36,193. On top of these statistics, students are also facing living difficulties while trying to get their degrees.

Ken Mash, the APSCUF president, also spoke at the event. Mash pointed out that the cost of living for college students has increased 50% since 2000.“Some students are working 2 or 3 jobs, skipping sleep, and taking on crushing loans,” says Mash, “ Not every student can be a superhero.”

“56% of students at The Community College of Philadelphia are food insecure, and 19% are homeless.” says Senator Hughes. This lack of basic living amenities also extends to Temple University. 36% of students find themselves food insecure, 34% are housing insecure, and 7% are homeless.

Nathan Warren is an English education major at Millersville University. He works 18 hours a week, while balancing 5 classes. “I’m worrying every day if I can afford my way through graduation,” states Warren. “Even then, I’m surrounded by the reality that I will be in debt for life.”

In addition to work and school, Warren is also disabled. He experiences full body pains and a great deal of fatigue. Yet, he is expected to financially support himself by paying his rent to keep the heat on in his apartment, and make sure tuition is paid until he graduates.

Warren says that he is also a member of the Pennsylvania Student Power Network (PASPN) that runs statewide, centralized in Philadelphia. Recently, PASPN has brought much attention towards student loan debt and rising tuition costs.

“Students shouldn’t feel financially burdened by college.” says Patrick Barfield of Penn State University. “Parents shouldn’t have to take out a second mortgage to send their children to college.” which is becoming common practice during this financial climate.

Back in September, members of the organization stood ground at the office of Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick, where they demanded loan cancellation as well as affordable college. Pennsylvania currently has the highest student debt rates in the country.

The PA Promise would not only aim to make college more affordable, but it would also help adults go back to school, inmates get an education, and drastically reduce the amount of debt acquired at state-related colleges such as the University of Pittsburgh and Temple University.

Rural communities will see more educational opportunities. They will be able to attend community colleges that aren’t otherwise supported by the state. Students will be able to attend these community colleges with the same benefits as state recognized community colleges. The hopes of this is that the job market improves as well as the quality of life in these communities.

The bill will also fund trade skills and apprenticeships for students that choose to go the vocational route. It will award grants which could make these programs free for students. In turn, the job market could see a significant bump.

Representative James R. Roebuck asked how we are supposed to give people jobs when less than half of adults have a college education in a market that is demanding of a higher education? 60% of jobs in Pennsylvania require a higher education. Only 40% of adults in PA have education beyond high school.

Rep. Roebuck stated that the PA Promise was an “Opportunity for business” and that the state would be able to introduce highly skilled individuals to the workforce. “ The PA Promise is a step toward correcting Pennsylvania students’ enormous student debt.”

The PA Promise legislation is beginning to make waves once again. On March 27th, a rally will be held at the state capitol. Students, faculty, and staff from state related and state system schools are welcomed to attend to show their support for a groundbreaking bill that could change the pace of education forever.

Watch the Press conference video here

[apscufku]

Student loans are the global warming of education. We need affordable college and we need it now.

Pennsylvania has the highest rate of student debt in the country. It comes as no surprise that undergrad students are struggling to afford college more and more. Tuition is taking a major hike and people are starting to weigh an education with years and years of debt. Can you blame them? Loan suppliers like Sallie Mae and Wells Fargo are digging financial graves for those who depend on loans to get through college.

A lot of students will graduate with over $36,000 in student loans according to PA Penn Live. Collectively, students in the state of Pennsylvania have incurred $1.3 trillion in student loan debt. Community colleges were once affordable options. But now, students are going into debt just by attending for two years. Is transferring worth it? Some would say no.

Pennsylvania has been swaying back and forth with passing the PA Promise bill. On Wednesday, a conference was held in Harrisburg to reintroduce it.There are already states that have passed a Promise bill. As far as PA goes, Pittsburgh has its own version of the bill that seems to have benefited the major city greatly. Since the bill has been implemented, the Pittsburgh Promise has funded over $100 million in scholarship funds and has supported over 8,000 students. Not to mention, retention and graduation rates are up tremendously.

This bill has been sitting on the fence, going nowhere and helping no one. It’s needed. It’s talked about by a number of officials, yet, it’s just here. We know there is a problem and we’ve discussed it. But what now? Student debt is destroying the economy as well as putting universities out of business. As a result, higher education in itself has become a business in order to maintain stability.

We’ve reached an age where we see financial issues within an educational institution, and it becomes chatter, discussion, nothing more than something else to complain about. Just like the rising sea levels, there’s always concern and something that should be done, but can we get serious and get it done?

What about the long-term implications of student debt? Enrollment rates are already plummeting and have been since 2013. Employment isn’t going to fix itself and without a doubt, there are going to be bigger issues in rural areas.

This isn’t a matter of giving people a free pass. It’s whether or not we are willing to acknowledge a problem that has been blowing up right in front of our faces for years, slowly chipping away at our credit scores and inflating…well pretty much everything. But, taxes and Americans right? There has always been an overwhelming skepticism when the government wants to put its hands in the pockets of hard working people, especially when that money is going to be spent on other people.

Regardless, weighing this option is more important than letting the results sit for years. State schools are even becoming expensive, and students are leaving with a comparable amount of debt that some have when attending a private or state related school. The more fiscally responsible options are running out and students are deciding that higher education just isn’t worth it.

Can we look to officials to finally settle on a bill that will not only dig students out of a hole, but the Pennsylvania economy as well? It wasn’t a secret that the implementation of the PA Promise would require tax dollars. If administration can get past that, a solution can finally be established while examining how deep this issue truly goes.

https://www.pennlive.com/expo/news/erry-2018/08/70ea1af3eb3539/here-are-the-50-pa-colleges-wh.html

https://pittsburghpromise.org/about-us/

[apscufku]

PASSHE’s New Chancellor Dr. Daniel Greenstein visits KU

On Thursday, November 1st, Dr. Daniel Greenstein, the newly elected PASSHE Chancellor came to Kutztown University. Greenstein did an open forum where he talked about his goals for the PASSHE system as well as answered any questions that educators, students, and the public were concerned about.

Greenstein comes to PASSHE at a time when massive cuts are being made on higher education. Student debt in Pennsylvania is also at an all time high, being the state with the highest amount across the nation.

The opening speech was hopeful. Greenstein read emails from the public.  “They are super intense. They carry so much emotion, intensity, and passion.” says Greenstein. “These are flat out inspiring. And I believe from these emails from the faculty, students, and staff, that we are willing to attack our problems head on.”

Greenstein’s beginning speech to the open forum focused heavily on the importance of solidarity and where reform is needed the most in the PASSHE system. “We know that there are populations that we need to serve, that are underserved. Adult learners, students of color, single working parents. They need us too.” says Greenstein.

Greenstein was appointed as the 5th PASSHE Chancellor assuming his position on September 4th. Prior, Greenstein served as a director of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, a nonprofit organization heavily focused on the growth of public education.

His visit to KU is an important one. Within the last 8 years, PASSHE schools including Kutztown University have seen a decline in enrollment. The PASSHE schools are tuition dependent. The dip in enrollment can be blamed on rising tuition and cost of living on campus.

Greenstein has urged state schools to change their business strategy. During his open forum, he mentioned how some state schools are excelling in the realm of online higher education. He urged the faculty and public at Kutztown to get on board with supplementing enrollment with affordable online education, hopefully giving access to a wider range of students.

~Xiana Fontno, APSCUF KU Intern