Why aren’t there scholarships for Liberal Studies majors? Many students on campus have wondered why there is a lack of scholarships for this department. It’s simple; there is no money.

The Liberal Studies department has only been a department on campus for six months. Previously, it was a division that was only here for a few years. In order for the department to award scholarships to their students, they must raise it themselves.

“We have to contact outside contractors such as Liberal Studies alumnus’ to make contributions to our department. With their contributions we can give back to our students” said Liberal Studies chair Dr. Beverly Grier.

Grier, who has started off the year as the first official chair of the department, is very eager find ways to help students in terms of scholarships.

“We can have scholarships based on G.P.A. or have them write essays, etc,” said Grier.

Liberal studies students are considered by some essential to life after college.

This interdisciplinary major prepares students for the workforce, as well as civic duties. Those who obtain a liberal studies degree can be found in jobs that deal with African-American studies, Business, Women’s studies, pre-law, and other job professions.

With the 264 students currently enrolled in the department a fast move for money is needed. Although the money is needed, the process will take time due to the newness of the department.

With tuition prices are on the rise for both in state and out of state students, many students whether liberal studies or not have to rely solely on scholarships in order for them to further their education.

“I did not know about scholarships offered in my department, without other scholarships I have wouldn’t be able to attend A&T” said Senior Liberal Studies major Ihsan Shaheed.

If there are hardly any scholarships to be offered for Liberal Studies majors, how will they be able to continue their education?

Liberal Studies Student Organization now sets forth to find ways to accommodate those in need of a scholarship. It is up to them to help Grier find ways to use money once they receive it.

“We have to start off small and build up ways to fund scholarships,” said Grier.

On average an in-state student paid $1,994 just for tuition to attend NC A&T in 2007, while it costs $11,436 for an out-of state student.

That cost does not include housing, food, and other expenses. With that number steadily rising, students are now demanding that more scholarships become available.

Although Liberal Studies majors are becoming a huge presence on campus, other majors such as Engineering are making more moves in directing its students to funding their educations.

This is mainly due to how long the other departments such as Engineering have been on campus. They had time to build up their budgets more so than the Liberal Studies department.

Until the Liberal Studies department has time to build up their funds so they can award scholarships, students are encouraged to take advantage of other aids such as the Pell Grant, FAFSA, and outside scholarships and grants.

• Kelcie McCrae