Being awarded an all-expense paid scholarship to the most prestigious colleges and universities is pretty rare in the Black community unless academics are exceptional or the student’s name and stats sit high upon the athletic roster.
According to the 2012 U.S. Census Bureau, 3.7 million African-Americans were enrolled in college.
Sometimes it’s not about how many pursue a college degree, but how many actually earn it in the end. Only 18.7 percent of Blacks 25 and older hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, the 2012 U.S. Census Bureau reported.
With a large number of students dropping out of college because of financial instability, there has to be another way to pass the finish line.
And the Indianapolis Public Library (IPL) is doing its bit to help some of those needing cash for future college costs.
The Library is holding its annual summer reading program until July 26. Last years program kept more than 58,000 participants glued to the pages of books from well-known authors. This year’s theme is “Read in Any Language,” which is a spin-off of the popular TV show “The Amazing Race.” Children of all ages will be introduced to a world of culture and an understanding of their own background.
The IPL Foundation hopes to bring in more than 60,000 readers this summer for the celebration of 95 years.
“We hope that it will support the message that reading in any language that is spoken in your home is wonderful and right,” said Tami Edminster, program specialist. “Literacy in a first/natural language makes it much easier to learn another language.”
A new component for readers this year include drawings for two $529 scholarships toward a college savings account made possible by CollegeChoice Direct 529 Savings Plan and CollegeChoice CD 529 Savings Plan.
Nathaniel Turner, financial advisor at Conoclast Financial Services says that the amount of money the average family saves per year is less than annual tuition cost.
“The best thing you can do for your child is to prepare them academically. According to the National Assessment for Educational Progress, only 7 percent of African-American students are proficient in math and only 16 percent in English.”
Turner said getting a child to read as early as possible is imperative to their future.
“I don’t know why there aren’t more programs like this. Reading is devalued. Programs target underrepresented groups of society. The phrase ‘Black people don’t read’ is not true,” Turner said.
Regina Carmon, marketing director at College Savings Bank said the CollegeChoice CD 529 Savings Plan is administered by the Indiana Education Savings Authority.
“We focus on engaging Indiana residents to raise awareness of the importance of higher education and planning for those future college expenses. The best way to save for college is with a 529 account and our CD products are FDIC insured, providing Hoosiers the peace of mind in knowing their savings has great tax benefits and is principal protected.”
Carmon believes this is a great way for parents and students to began thinking about college because it is never too early.
“Offering an added incentive of a scholarship to visit the local library and check out books of the reader’s choice (per the program’s rules) speaks to the importance of literacy,” she said. “It’s worth noting that $1 saved has the potential to make a scholastic difference in a child’s future. So, being a sponsor and selecting a scholarship recipient from all participants is a win for everyone.”
The amount of points to contribute to the overall 600 total depends on the reading level of the book. To sign up for the free program, visit the summer reading desk at pick up a point card. All books must be checked out using an IPL card or a Beech Grove Public Library card.
For more information, visit your local public library or visit imcpl.org
