AJX Foundation - Education & Leadership
Since 2000, The State of Texas has further begun to recognize the importance of higher education. As we move forward into the new millennium, the Texas
Higher Education Coordinating Board adopted the Closing the Gaps Program has focused the states efforts on academic participation, success, excellence and research
conducted at a four institutions. Since this initiative was launched, the state has repeatedly had to adjust their higher education goals in order to match the vast
increase of population growth across the State of Texas.
The Closing the Gaps initiative is to add approximately 630,000 more students (compared to the number of students in 2000, when the plan was adopted) and awarded
210,000 undergraduate degree certificates. The State of Texas is also working towards increasing the number of nationally recognized programs or services at
colleges and universities¹ . By 2015, Texas will increase the level of federal science and engineering research and development obligations to Texas institutions
to 6.5 percent of obligations to higher education institutions across the nation.
Over the next two years, the State of Texas will contribute $19.9 billion in higher education funds back into their universities and college institutions.
INTERESTING FACTS
- There is a link between feminization and poverty. Poor single mothers, their children, and their need for financial assistance.
- The State's rapidly growing Hispanic population accounted for 60 percent of the higher education enrollment growth from fall 2006-2007 yet still is
lagging in reaching their participation goals.
- Together, African and Latin American's represent about 54 percent of Texas' 15 to 34 populations, but only 39 percent of these students participate in higher
education.
- Approximately 25 percent of Texas' population (age 25 and older) holds a bachelor's degree or higher degree.
- Average annual income nationwide for a person with a high school diploma is approximately $31,644, with an associate's degree-$39,662 and with a bachelor's
approximately $56,740.
¹ http://www.tamu.edu/provost/quickfacts/texasHigherEdFacts2008.pdf
The numbers may not seem alarming, however the fact our state will continue to focus on higher education. The main question that is asked is how many
aspiring leaders of tomorrow will be able to afford or pay for their tuition?
RISING COST OF EDUCATION
Since 2000, higher education tuition and required fee charges rose significantly in many states, and some states reduced their student financial aid programs.
According to a 2003 report from the National Center for Public Education Policy and Education, 2001-2002 to 2002-2003 reports showed that Texas had seen an 11-24% fee rate increase at both private and public levels.
And fiscal news that has been released over the past 5 years shows that public higher education institutions and their students will continue to see this trend for the next decade. So far this year, the picture looks even bleaker, with states continuing to cut higher education appropriations and campuses responding by raising tuition even higher, imposing new fees and reducing student financial assistance.
SCHOLARSHIPS AND FINANCIAL AID
If you read the reports you can see that College tuition prices are at an all-time high. Most colleges on average are issuing stingier financial aid packages this year.
Financial Aid Counselors at many institutions have examined awards from many colleges and have reported that only a few dozen generous four year colleges and
universities offer an expansive scholarship or grant program for those who attend. These reports can be seen on local, regional news coverage and even on national stages
like USA Today, and the US News and World Report.
Numbers also show a trend where wealthy students are receiving "merit" awards because of their top grades or test scores while more moderate low- and
middle-income students are receiving far less aid than they need. Reports from all over the country are showing that our commitments to higher education are rewarding
however there are certain requirements and criteria that allow a limited amount of potential students some form of financial aid. The result is limited funds.
A US News and World Report article reported in March that an informal survey of members of the National Institute of Certified College Planners, 60 percent of
33 private consultants who responded said the typical amount of grants or scholarships awarded this year was the same or less than the past year's average. The same
percentage said that clients were planning to borrow, on average, at least $2,500 more this year².
Even though aid and scholarship programs cover the cost of courses and school books, they don't provide the funds for outlining incidentals associated with
the rising cost of living that has also increased and is an important component to someone during their pursue of higher education.
Whether it is single mothers trying to become self sufficient to overcome obstacles of welfare to attend college and earn a degree, or your inspiring leaders
who have talent but don't have the finances to get them where they need to be, their can never be enough funds to help pay for books for our next lawyers, provide time
to conduct research for the of a doctor cure or provide financial support for someone who is striving to get to the next level.
Great Business Leaders blame processes not people. The Foundation is built on great leaders who recognize that a vast majority of our current youth are ready to take
the next stage in life. With that stage being set, many are turning to their local governments, and communities to show their support by seeking financial assistance
to allow these future leaders to live their dreams.
The AJX Foundation is a consortium of these leaders who are addressing these issues and connecting with individuals and local businesses to help members of moderate
families pursue the change to follow their dreams in engineering, art, sciences, business and education.
Making a Scholarship Request
The AJX Foundation awards scholarships each spring to North Texas high school seniors as financial assistance to help young men and women from moderate
families have the opportunity to pursue their undergraduate studies at a four year college or institution.
The Foundation scholarship award is $10,000.00, disbursed over four years ($1250.00 per semester), provided the recipient conforms to the requirements set forth
in the award. The recipient may select any major at any four year college or university.
Scholarship applications may be obtained during the student's senior year in high school. If writing to the Foundation, the student must identify their
high school, month and year of graduation, and include their name and home address. Address all correspondence as follows:
² http://www.usnews.com/articles/education/2008/04/28/some-rich-students-merit-financial-aid.html
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