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Independence, MO —
To the editor:
I work at the Kansas City campus of Columbia College, a private college, as the admissions manager and an academic advisor. Our college offers options for working adults by providing evening and online classes.
I know firsthand that many of our students reap the benefits of financial aid. One of the best resources for our students is Access Missouri, which provides financial support. It was developed to ensure that Missouri’s middle- and low-income students could attend any accredited Missouri college. In my opinion, this program is an excellent use of state higher education dollars. The Missouri Department of Higher Education has statistics proving that Access Missouri is providing thousands of low-income Missouri students with access to a college education in our state.
Unfortunately, the state legislature is making attempts to alter Access Missouri so it funds public schools only. Students who attend private colleges in Missouri could see a dramatic reduction in their state aid, and they may not be able to attend school that offers what they need, such as Columbia College.
I am urging lawmakers to protect Access Missouri and keep its current level of funding. I also urge all Missouri citizens to join the Keep Me in College coalition at www.keepmeincollege.org. We can work together to provide a positive college experience for everyone and create well-educated, well-rounded, hard-working members of society in Missouri.
To the editor:
I work at the Kansas City campus of Columbia College, a private college, as the admissions manager and an academic advisor. Our college offers options for working adults by providing evening and online classes.
I know firsthand that many of our students reap the benefits of financial aid. One of the best resources for our students is Access Missouri, which provides financial support. It was developed to ensure that Missouri’s middle- and low-income students could attend any accredited Missouri college. In my opinion, this program is an excellent use of state higher education dollars. The Missouri Department of Higher Education has statistics proving that Access Missouri is providing thousands of low-income Missouri students with access to a college education in our state.
Unfortunately, the state legislature is making attempts to alter Access Missouri so it funds public schools only. Students who attend private colleges in Missouri could see a dramatic reduction in their state aid, and they may not be able to attend school that offers what they need, such as Columbia College.
I am urging lawmakers to protect Access Missouri and keep its current level of funding. I also urge all Missouri citizens to join the Keep Me in College coalition at www.keepmeincollege.org. We can work together to provide a positive college experience for everyone and create well-educated, well-rounded, hard-working members of society in Missouri.
