When Karlos Auguste set his sights on college graduation, he knew he’d have to work harder than most to get there: Part-time jobs after class. Gigs to cover costs for tuition, books, and fees. And finding time to attend lectures, study, and finish homework to stay on track.
But at the end of his final school year at Bethune-Cookman University, there was still $2,000 in tuition debt standing between him and his diploma.
Karlos isn’t alone. Only about half of college students are financially independent, while roughly 40% of full-time undergraduate students also work to pay for expenses. Often, those who work the hardest are also those facing the biggest hurdles to reach the finish line — but help from scholarships can make all the difference.
Karlos did the work to earn his degree, but it was financial support from B-CU’s Graduate Assistance Program (GAP) that helped him bridge the last few steps to the commencement stage. Because while it takes commitment, hard work, creativity and excellence to graduate, one thing that should never be a barrier is money.
Scholarships cover more than the cost of tuition and books. They cover peace of mind, and the freedom to focus on classes without worrying about covering bills, working or looming deadlines for paying back student loans. In turn, that helps students feel less stressed, focus better in class and have more time for studying — all of which contribute to better academic performance and higher graduation rates.
Financial assistance can open the door to opportunities beyond the classroom, too. When students don’t have to worry about whether they can afford tuition, they have more flexibility to pursue internships, present at conferences, network in their field, join extracurricular clubs and take on leadership opportunities. Those hands-on activities are essential for building the “soft skills” employers want, and they lay the foundation for real-world success.
When Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune founded B-CU, she envisioned it as a place where generations could rise beyond their circumstances and into their calling. That spirit is still at the heart of our school, where many of our students are first-generation scholars, and 90% receive some form of financial aid. Scholarships are one way of opening the door further — forging pathways for students to grow, achieve and prepare for the challenges that lie ahead.
All across our campus, we see the stories of students like Karlos who are pursuing their dreams as scholars, artists, athletes and servant leaders. And that’s made possible not only through their hard work, but through the support of a community that’s willing to invest in their potential.
As part of our “B-CU Rising: All of Us, All In” campaign, we’re doubling down to continue that legacy: joining hands with community partners, alumni, neighbors and friends of the university to raise $1 million for ongoing scholarships and successful futures.
Sherry Paramore is the executive vice president and Chief Operating Officer at Bethune-Cookman University in Daytona Beach. To learn more or make a donation, visit www.Cookman.edu.
