State Budget Cuts Hit HEOP
Thursday, April 7th, 2011
Due to governmental budget cuts, the Higher Education Opportunity Program, which helps underprivileged students attend college, will no longer be able to provide housing to the program’s 18 to 20 incoming students. But Keisha Davenport-Ramirez, director of the program at The New School, isn’t worried.
“For the cost of student housing we could bring in another student,” Ramirez said. She believes it’s much better for the program to take on more students, rather than be able to house each HEOP student. Currently, 48 students are commuters and 20 live in housing. Ramirez notes that money for student housing is hard to find at many schools statewide, not just The New School.
“It makes it really challenging for the program to provide them with tuition and housing support,” Ramirez said. Those who are in housing now can remain in housing until they graduate, but this will no longer be an option for incoming students.
“For the cost of student housing we could bring in another student,” Ramirez said. She believes it’s much better for the program to take on more students, rather than be able to house each HEOP student. Currently, 48 students are commuters and 20 live in housing. Ramirez notes that money for student housing is hard to find at many schools statewide, not just The New School.
“It makes it really challenging for the program to provide them with tuition and housing support,” Ramirez said. Those who are in housing now can remain in housing until they graduate, but this will no longer be an option for incoming students.
State grants, the Pell Grant and institutionary aid all fund HEOP, which offers funding to students who otherwise couldn’t afford to attend. New York’s Tuition Assistance Program offers $5,000 a semester per student, and Pell offers a little more.
State budget cuts this semester included a cut in TAP. Governor Andrew Cuomo’s new budget passed on March 31, and cuts in Pell Grants are also expected.
“Entitlement programs and things like that are the first things they’re willing to cut,” Ramirez said, referring to the conservative Republicans in the White House.
Each year, HEOP only receives funds for about 65 students. The amount per student changes yearly and depends on individual financial status.
“Right now, we’re looking at 18 students for the upcoming year,” said Alex Vasquez, the assistant director of HEOP.
So far, they’ve selected 11 students and sent their applications to financial aid.
The legislative process over the past few years has made funding a challenge. Ramirez said that, “When it started out, there was a much more equal distribution of resources” between the school and the government.
The HEOP office is also working on the budget plan that they submit annually to the state. This includes how much money they use, and money to pay the faculty who teach during the summer program.
The new president of The New School, David Van Zandt, mentioned wanting to help HEOP. He has not yet spoken directly to Ramirez, but has talked to Linda Reimer, the senior vice president of student services.
Ramirez wants the value for the program in terms of the school’s history, socioeconomic diversity to be noticed. “If [Van Zandt] could, during his tenure, shed some light on social justice issues, that would be great,” she said.
HEOP students have a large impact on this school and make a valuable contribution to the university, but without the assistance of the program couldn’t afford to be here.
“Once they’re in, everybody knows how valuable their voice is,” Ramirez said.
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