NBC29Mary Baldwin Rolls Out Stimulus Package

Mary Baldwin Rolls Out Stimulus Package

With the economy flat but the cost of higher education on the rise, it's tougher than ever for families to afford tuition. That's partly why Mary Baldwin College has come up with its own stimulus package.

Friday, Mary Baldwin College rolled out the welcome mat for 285 new students. That number is down only slightly compared to record numbers last year.

The all-female private college kept the students coming with the leadership gateways program that combines real-life experience and financial aid.

"We are a private school, but it's still important to make sure that everyone's able to enjoy our education," said MBC Student Government President Erin Paschal.

But when that education can cost more than $30,000 a year, some students and parents may have second thoughts.

MBC Dean of Students Brenda Bryant shared, "We certainly did notice the effect of the economy on our families, and we are aware that that financial need was a pressure for families in choosing colleges this year."

To make that choice a little easier, Mary Baldwin President Pamela Fox created a $700,000 stimulus package. The Leadership Gateways program includes $2,000 scholarships for incoming students and changemaker internships that help pay tuition.

Paschal said, "Doctor fox has been creating jobs on campus to help provide money to students in a way to make the financial burden less stressful for students."

Bryant added, "More importantly, they're getting experience on a job and in a job that does some form of service to this college or to our community."

The program aims to help freshmen connect with returning students and find partners for service projects.

"We helped build a sidewalk for a man in a wheelchair...So he could get out of his house, because it was grassy and really really rocky. I'm a little sore, but it was a lot of fun," stated MBC freshman Melissa Ingram.

The Staunton college tries to balance the cost of a private college education with state and federal grants, work study, and a variety of scholarships. More than 90 percent of Mary Baldwin's incoming students receive some type of financial aid.

Reported by Ken Slack
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