The traditional path of students to college in Los Angeles is a difficult one for many students. The Wall Street Journal reports a national drop in college applications in 2021 of 10 percent compared to applications made in 2020. The financial burden of college is a hot political subject, with President Joe Biden addressing the issue as part of his first 100 days pledge. Scholarships are more important than ever for students, with the $1,000 Nancy Etz Scholarship among those available to students in Los Angeles.
A Changing College Application Landscape
December is usually an exciting time for high schools across Los Angeles, with students making the final changes to the college applications before submitting them. December 2020 was a difficult time for high school counselors in Los Angeles and across the U.S. The COVID-19 pandemic had changed the educational landscape as stay-at-home orders made it difficult for students to remain in regular contact with their school staff. The L.A. Times reports the "new normal" of life has added to the problems seen by high school educators.
The most important aspect of life for many students in Los Angeles is helping their families survive the pandemic. Financial issues are forcing a high proportion of high school students into full-time work across Los Angeles. The high cost of attending college is strengthening the divide between the classes in Los Angeles.
Technology Issues add to the Confusion
The shift to distance learning taking place in the Los Angeles education system is causing problems for a high percentage of students. Not having access to the internet has made it difficult for students to complete the work needed to graduate from high school and lowered grades. Los Angeles schools are trying to replicate in-person classes through online learning. The problem identified by high school educators is low-income families who do not have access to internet connections at home are being left behind by their fellow students.
High school seniors considering college as an option are struggling to complete college applications. Before the pandemic, high school councilors would have access to students to assist them with applications and financial aid requirements when attending classes. High school students look to counselors to provide advice and assistance during the college applications season. The COVID-19 pandemic has meant counselors have access to those with internet connections and not those who are struggling to complete their high school career.
More Funding is Available
The problems facing high school seniors come at a time when wealthy donors are targeting the education sector. Alongside regular scholarships, such as the Nancy Etz Scholarship, multi-million dollar donations have recently arrived at Los Angeles colleges. Mount Saint Mary's University in Los Angeles recently received a donation of $15 million from Mackenzie Scott, the former wife of Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos.
The college welcomed the donation as more funding to help educate female students at the all-women's college. Mount Saint Mary's University President, Dr. Ann McElaney-Johnson, reported 98 percent of students at the college accept financial aid. Mackenzie Scott has provided a significant donation for a college that has traditionally been a home for female students from minority groups. The college reports 82 percent of its students are women of color, with a significant number coming from financially disadvantaged backgrounds.
Changing the High School Graduation Process
President Biden is attempting to push more students to community colleges by introducing legislation that will eliminate tuition fees. The plan from the President is for 75 percent of tuition costs to be paid by the federal government and 25 percent covered by state governments. The idea behind the plan from The White House is to give students more choice when they graduate from high school.
In California, Governor Gavin Newsom has gone a step further and introduced FAFSA completion as a graduation requirement. Governor Newsom introduced the requirement for FAFSA completion as part of his 2020-21 budget, with seniors needing to complete a financial aid application before receiving their diploma. For families where a student will be the first generation to attend college, understanding the FAFSA process is the first step towards reaching college.
Across the nation, college applications are down ten percent for 2021, with even sharper falls seen in areas with low-income families. The high concentration of low-income families in parts of Los Angeles is adding to the problem of students dropping out of education for financial reasons. The Nancy Etz Scholarship program provides $1,000 for students to ease their financial burden, which is the main reason for seeking employment straight out of high school.
The dream of attending college is a difficult one for students to start on at the best of times. During the pandemic, financial hardships are more acute and the inequalities of life in Los Angeles are easy to see. Scholarships and new programs to provide access to higher education are needed to encourage a diverse admissions season in 2021 and beyond.
