Students, staff join private universities in Jefferson City to oppose Access Mo change
Jordan Lanham
Issue date: 4/15/09 Section: News
Staff and students joined other private institutions across the state in Jefferson City last week to testify against the proposed changes to the Missouri Access grant.
As the grant stands, students from private universities receive a maximum of $4,600 a year and public students may receive up to $2,150. Earlier this year, Gov. Jay Nixon proposed changing the maximum and setting it at $2,850 for both private and public school students. This change would reduce the amount of aid that more than 14,000 students around this state receive. About 1,400 Lindenwood students could be affected.
Freshman Erin Verble, who receives the maximum amount of the grant, attended the hearing and testified. She stressed how vital the $4,600 is to her education. "It was important for me to let them know that Lindenwood offered me more money than anywhere else," Verble said, referring to lawmakers. "Even though the state schools are not as expensive, Lindenwood offers a higher amount of aid. I think for a lot of students who come to Lindenwood, that's a major factor."
Each student was given about three minutes to make a statement to the Higher Education Committee in the Senate Lounge. On April 1, students from public universities provided their testimonies.
"I think it went really well," Verble said. "A lot of people were prepared and passionate about it."
Like other Lindenwood students, Verble joined the Keep Me in College Coalition a few months ago. She also wrote a letter to the governor opposing changes to the Access Missouri grant.
Verble said she thinks the private students had a positive impact and hopefully will influence state lawmakers to keep the grant the same.
The Senate and House bills seeking to alter grant awards haven't come before a vote.
As the grant stands, students from private universities receive a maximum of $4,600 a year and public students may receive up to $2,150. Earlier this year, Gov. Jay Nixon proposed changing the maximum and setting it at $2,850 for both private and public school students. This change would reduce the amount of aid that more than 14,000 students around this state receive. About 1,400 Lindenwood students could be affected.
Freshman Erin Verble, who receives the maximum amount of the grant, attended the hearing and testified. She stressed how vital the $4,600 is to her education. "It was important for me to let them know that Lindenwood offered me more money than anywhere else," Verble said, referring to lawmakers. "Even though the state schools are not as expensive, Lindenwood offers a higher amount of aid. I think for a lot of students who come to Lindenwood, that's a major factor."
Each student was given about three minutes to make a statement to the Higher Education Committee in the Senate Lounge. On April 1, students from public universities provided their testimonies.
"I think it went really well," Verble said. "A lot of people were prepared and passionate about it."
Like other Lindenwood students, Verble joined the Keep Me in College Coalition a few months ago. She also wrote a letter to the governor opposing changes to the Access Missouri grant.
Verble said she thinks the private students had a positive impact and hopefully will influence state lawmakers to keep the grant the same.
The Senate and House bills seeking to alter grant awards haven't come before a vote.
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