When I first decided I wanted to attend a Historically Black College and University, it never crossed my mind that finding money to pay for it would be this difficult. I was under the impression that there were millions of dollars in scholarship money, specifically for these institutions. I was sure I would qualify based on my excellent grades and the less than stellar financial situation my family was suffocating from. Every person I talked to pointed me in the direction of the United Negro College Fund, the largest non-governmental provider of financial assistance to HBCUs. What shocked me then and continues to disturb me, as I steadily search for funds to keep me at the university, is that the organization purposely created to assist students at these institutions, does not allow students from schools that receive state funds the opportunity to apply and be awarded the majority of scholarships offered through their organization.According to the U.S. Department of Education, there are 105 HBCUs, but the UNCF only directly supports 39 of those institutions, less than half of the total and all of which are privately owned and operated. When I first learned about this, I reasonably concluded that this has to be because typically private schools, such as Spelman or Morehouse, have tuition rates that are significantly higher than state funded historically black institutions. However, I believe UNCF Director Dr. Michael L. Lomax should take into consideration that there are a different set of rules and regulations concerning who gets charged what amount, based on residency status. Out-of-state students attending non-UNCF schools, such as North Carolina A&T State University, pay over double what in-state students pay. Our charges considerably compare to those of several UNCF institutions, including Allen University, Stillman College and Xavier University. When taking this into consideration, it is only fair that out-of-state students receive an equal opportunity at these scholarships to offset our costs as well, especially considering why the UNCF chose these schools. The UNCF advertises that their chosen schools need the help because “90 percent of their students need some type of Financial Aid and 84 percent of their students are from low to moderate income families.” Well here at NC A&T, our statistics are very similar. Eighty percent of the student body needs some type of financial aid, according to the university’s financial aid office. That number is significantly higher among out-of-state students, mostly because there is a cap on how much aid we can receive. Also, when the time comes for a tuition increase the state of North Carolina does not allow state schools to raise the tution of in-state students unless it is state mandated; therefore if a void needs to be filled and the state refused to come out of pocket, out-of-state students pay the price.   When it comes to organizations like this, who are attempting to fill a void and close a gap, the goal should be to help any and every student that is willing to work hard for a degree in whatever career they choose, not isolating schools so only a few can have a chance at a free education. In addition, it should not be about encouraging students only if they are pursuing certain majors, particularly in the sciences. I am driven by the idea that if you choose a career you love, you will never work a day in your life, and science just is not my strong suit.  All my peers and I want is the chance to apply; our credentials will speak for themselves, but if no one takes the times to listen and change a flawed plan, how many “minds” will end up “wasted”?  

• LaRia Land