Why is tuition equity important?
In many ways, Latino students seeking higher education are not on the same footing as their non-Latino peers. University tuition is one of these areas. The important thing to know about tuition equity is that undocumented and marginally documented students are forced to pay out-of-state tuition, or an average of 3X more than their neighbors for a university education. To add to this problem, these same students also don’t have access to federal financial aid. Fighting for tuition equity means asking for the same in-state tuition rates for undocumented and marginally documented immigrant youth that have graduated from Tennessee high schools.
Who is Semillas of Equity?
We are a group of seven young Latina women from area universities, high schools, and community organizations who are passionate about making it just a little better for the students coming up behind us. Most of us have faced this obstacle or have friends and/or family who are facing it.
What do you hope to accomplish?
We want to plant the seeds (semillas) of equity by educating Tennesseans and their representatives on this issue. Even if we don’t see results right away, we can start laying the groundwork now for a more level playing field. Our main goal is to help everyone have an equal chance for post-secondary education.
How can people support you in this endeavor?
Follow Centro Hispano on Facebook or Instagram, share posts about tuition equity to help spread the word, or donate to organizations like Centro Hispano or The Education Trust that support tuition equity.
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