As anyone who has ever attended post secondary education knows, its expensive. Yes, the government has provided bursary’s to those with financial need, and universities and colleges give special consideration to those students with separate needs. Congratulations, post secondary and government institutions, you have recognized the income inequality relevant in our western society.
But I am going to speak as someone completely average. Middle Class. No special needs that require me special treatment.
When applying to bursary’s and scholarships, I was ineligible for about 95% of them because my parents exceeded the salary cap, I was white, or because I lived in the town I did. Despite having a 90+ average, extra curricular activities coming out their ass, and a scholarly application essay, students in the middle class are finding it extremely difficult to receive scholarships and bursary’s because of their parents income bracket.
What governments are doing is throwing money at those who demonstrate extreme need, but what about those who aren’t extreme, but would still appreciate the extra money to help them through school?
This is a touchy subject, so I’m going to demonstrate my argument through something happening at my college. A student could not always make it to class for medical reasons to they gave her Avid, an editing program that retails for $700. Now this is wonderful and everything, but now we see how other students, who pay the same amount of tuition, are losing $700. Just because I can make it to class by bussing for 40 minutes a day, I am denied a $700 program.
Going back to tuition, because my parents make over a certain income, I am denied extra money to be put towards my education. The Ontario Government offers 30% off tuition to those who’s families income is under $160,000 or less. Therefore, I am being charged MORE, because I have more money.
Governments are not going to solve economic inequality by throwing money at the problem. Re-evaluate.
