In the U.S. one out of every ten college students is homeless
and goes to class hungry. There are programs to help feed hungry k-12 students
who come from poor families. They are provided free or reduced breakfast,
snacks and lunches. But such programs stop at high school graduation. Many poor and middle class college
students, therefore, do not eat for days on end. This is a crisis being ignored
by many. The problem is caused by our lack of support for those in need.
College living expenses average $17,000 per
year. This is for housing and food only. It doesn't include tuition, fees or
transportation. Even if a student receives a scholarship for tuition, many
other costs are not covered. I believe an educated population is so
critical to the health of our economy that all college costs should be covered
for all students. But I don't make the rules.
Students are sleeping in cars, parks, under freeway
overpasses and in other unsafe areas. Some are able to cope with the stress of
homelessness and hunger and make it through to graduation. Many others drop
out. How many would succeed if they had a roof over their heads and food in
their bellies?
I have a suggestion that would not require any
additional infrastructure. Everything is in place except the will to do the
right and economically sound thing. Let’s look at each student’s financial aid
form. Those who are accepted into college, and do not have the financial
resources to buy a student meal plan, should be given one gratis. This does not solve the
issue of homelessness, but it’s a step in the right direction.
Do you have an idea for solving the homelessness of two
million college students nationwide?
You are reading from the blog: http://www.roadtofreecollege.com
Photo credit: Google Images
If you’re interested in learning more about any of these topics,
you can follow me on Twitter,@ElizaWallace27 or click on the image of my book, Free College, at the top right side of this page. This will take you to Amazon, where you can read more about me and my book. Free College contains a step-by-step guide to winning more free money for college, and is based
on the habits of numerous students who have done so already.
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