Unique Gifts for the Holidays (PART I)
The cost to attend college is sky high in Colorado and the rest of the country.
According to ValuePenguin, which provides in-depth research and analysis, it costs $10,800 in Colorado for in- state tuition and $30,600 for out-of-state tuition. But once student loan interest and loss of income kicks in, the cost of a bachelor’s degree may exceed $400,000, according to the Education Data Initiative — an organization that collects data and statistics about the United States education system.
The good news is Hispanic enrollment in colleges reached a new high at four-year colleges in the country recently. But affordability is still a problem.
According to the Pew Research Center, Hispanic enrollment at postsecondary institutions rose from 1.5 million in 2000 to a new high of 3.8 million in 2019. But the COVID-19 pandemic caused enrollment among Hispanics to drop. In fall 2020, there were 100,000 less Hispanic students enrolled at colleges and universities than in the previous year, according to the National Center for Educational Statistics.
A 2021 Pew Research Center survey found that seven in ten Latinos who do not have a bachelor’s degree and are not enrolled in college said a major or minor reason is that they need to work to support their family. Another 69 percent of survey respondents said they couldn’t afford a four-year degree.
With the season of giving upon us, there are plenty of places where you could donate to a scholarship or organization that helps students attend college. This year, you can make a difference on someone’s life by supporting organizations or scholarships that help young people access education opportunities. Here are some places to consider donating to.
Latin American Education Foundation
The Latin American Education Foundation (LAEF) was established more than 70 years ago.
Throughout the foundation’s tenure, LAEF, has focused on providing Hispanic and Latino students access to higher education. LAEF has awarded nearly $7,000,000 in scholarships. The organization focuses on outcomes like career advancements and success, equitable representation in leadership, income and financial equity, homeownership equity, and more.
To donate to LAEF, visit https://www.coloradogives.org/donate/laef.
Denver Foundation
The Denver Foundation works closely with high schools, colleges, universities, and community partners to support education and strengthen the community, particularly by reducing racial disparities. The organization administers all phases of the scholarship process and reports on student progress.
You can learn more about donation possibilities to the Denver Foundation by visiting https://denverfoundation.org/donor-services/scholarship-funds/.
University of Colorado Foundation
The University of Colorado Foundation receives, manages and prudently invests private support for the University of Colorado and supports the university’s philanthropic endeavors through donor stewardship.
Gifts can help veterans on campus, open doors for first-generation college students, aid environmental science or advance infectious disease research. To learn more about donation opportunities to the foundation, visit https://giving.cu.edu/about-us/university-colorado-foundation.
