By Graciela Leon
As the cost of higher education continues to rise, many students at Dominican are facing a new financial burden: a reduction in the Monetary Award Program (MAP) Grant.
The grant aims to make higher education more accessible by providing financial relief to students from low-income households.
For students, who rely on this crucial financial aid to cover tuition and living expenses, the cutback is causing a ripple effect that threatens to disrupt their education and financial stability.
Sophomore Odalis Salazar, who works part-time to cover her extra expenses outside of school, believes the cutback could mean working even more hours to earn more money.
“It’s a struggle,” she explained. “I might have to work full time in order to pay the extra costs that the MAP Grant won’t cover.”
The grant has long been a lifeline for many students who are working hard to achieve their academic goals. However, as state funding continues to dwindle, those who rely on these grants may be left scrambling to find alternative ways to finance their education.
For Salazar, the reduction in the grant is more than just a financial setback. It’s a personal and emotional struggle.
“I feel in between,” she said. “I feel like [Dominican] should have provided resources, but at the same time, it’s a busy time in different ways for everyone.”
While the university does provide resources through its financial aid office and student services, Salazar feels more proactive support should be available for students navigating these financial challenges.
Despite the lack of immediate support, Salazar is hopeful that she can find the guidance she needs. She said plans to reach out to Yessenia Hernandez, the advisor for the Dream U.S. Scholarship program, who has been a huge help to her in the past.
Hernandez has earned a reputation for being someone dedicated to helping students navigate financial aid challenges, especially for those in underrepresented communities.
The impact of the MAP Grant reduction is part of a broader issue of increasing tuition costs and decreasing state funding for higher education.
As students like Salazar face the reality of having to work more, it’s clear that a systemic change is needed to ensure that higher education remains accessible to all.
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