Dear Editor:
As we prepare for the beginning of another academic year, we are reminded daily of media reports on lagging job growth, the persistence of long-term unemployment, the challenges students face in securing educational loans, and the insufficient financial aid packages that prevent many outstanding collegians from returning to school this fall. The current state of affairs in Chicago, the State of Illinois, and throughout our nation is especially disquieting because these reports are coupled with insistence from all sides on the importance of a bachelor’s degree for success today, and mobility tomorrow.
The very unfortunate fact is that there are hundreds and hundreds of well-qualified students across this nation—the next generation of engineers, psychologists, scientists, entrepreneurs and architects—who will not enroll in a college or university this fall because of a lack of access to the necessary financial resources. Another set of students will not return to college this fall as a result of a lack in continued funding. This is, with no exaggeration, a tragedy for our young people in the short-term and for our professions and nation in the long-term.
At the encouragement of several secondary school guidance counselors, community college transfer coordinators, alumni, parents, and community leaders, we are establishing—in the spirit of the Bud Billiken Parade and Picnic this weekend—a “call to action” in response to this important and urgent situation. Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT) is joining with teachers, parents, and community organizations in a national campaign to reach out to recent secondary school and community college graduates to initiate conversations about their plans for Fall 2010. In addition to asking each student to share their dreams and goals with us, we are asking two very simple questions: Have the students chosen a place to begin their academic studies? Have they secured a financial aid package for Fall 2010?
If the answer to either of these questions is “No” and these students are interested in the fields of architecture, business, engineering, mathematics, political science, psychology, science, or technology, then we are very interested in talking to them. We would gladly introduce them to the educational opportunities available at Illinois Institute of Technology. To support these students’ efforts and ambitions, IIT will not only accept their applications for Fall 2010, but will also commit up to 100 new scholarships for students who apply throughout this weekend. (Our academic year begins on Monday, August 23rd; orientation begins on Wednesday, August 19th.).
IIT shares your unwavering commitment to creating access to outstanding opportunities for this generation; please share our application with a prospective first-year or transfer student! IIT provides students with financial opportunities that help meet their need, as well as reward their outstanding academic, professional, and leadership abilities; and commitment to community service and development. In addition to federal financial aid, upon admittance, students will be considered for several IIT merit-based scholarships.
IIT will commit up to 50 Heald and University Scholarships of up to $10,000 each per year. In addition, students planning to reside on our campus will receive a $1,500 Housing Scholarship. IIT will commit up to 50 Transfer Tuition Scholarships of up to $17,000 per year. Student members of Phi Theta Kappa are eligible for a Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship of $5,000 per year. In addition, students planning to reside on our campus will receive a $1,500 Housing Scholarship. Additional need-based assistance is available.
To learn more about these scholarships, as well as academic programs and other opportunities at IIT, please contact me via email at doyle@iit.edu or contact my colleague, Terrika Worthon, at tworthon@iit.edu.
Fall classes begin on August 23rd and IIT is prepared to work around the clock to make things happen for exceptional young people.
Sincerely,
Gerald P. Doyle Vice Provost Undergraduate Admission and Financial Aid Illinois Institute of Technology
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