By: Emma Curtis and Alexis Ramirez Many Americans are receiving more money from unemployment benefits than they previously did at their jobs before the coronavirus outbreak. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the unemployment rate rose to 14.7 percent after 20.5 million people lost their jobs in the COVID-19 pandemic. This is the highest unemployment rate has been since the Great Depression, and it could take years before it returns to 3.5 percent. The two criteria to be considered unemployed are that one is jobless and is actively searching for work or someone is on temporary layoff. Due to the surge in the number of unemployed Americans, Congress passed a relief package … [Read more...] about Unemployed residents granted more money than essential workers
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Studying abroad made possible
By Linda Phan When the opportunity surfaced to study abroad for a summer in South Africa, I wanted to be a part of it. South Africa is a country that is still transitioning from decades of segregation. Although apartheid may have ended over 20 years ago, the feeling of division is still there. I was curious to know how racism affected people in this climate of change and how their experiences compared to my own. My research has provided this understanding. The extensive research commitment and in-depth experience I gained on this study abroad trip have helped me in building my resume and will enhance employment opportunities. I believe that conducting research on a topic that is … [Read more...] about Studying abroad made possible
Upward Bound Program Faces Possible Service Interruption
By Tommy McCardle |Contributing Writer| Funding for 200 students in the TRIO program may see an interruption in service pending a possible partial government shutdown. According to the U.S. De partment of Education's website, TRIO is a federal outreach program providing student services and programs for individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds. Dalia Hernandez, director of Upward Bound at CSUSB, is awaiting notification from the U.S. Department of Education for two of the three grants to fund the TRIO program. "We are funded on a five-year grant cycle and are currently in our fifth year," Hernandez said. "For two of our grants, funding ends on May 31." Services provided … [Read more...] about Upward Bound Program Faces Possible Service Interruption
Why are students shackled with debt?
By Angel Lizardi |Staff Writer| Statistics show that 60 percent of graduating seniors at CSUSB are borrowing money for their education, which is 10 percent higher than the state average, according to college-insight.org. College-insight.org shows that 61 percent of CSUSB students graduate with student loan debt, which is 10 percent above the state average. College Insight is an initiative of the institute of College Access and Success which provides data to colleges and universities across the country on college affordability, success and diversity. Although the data shows that CSUSB students’ average student loan debt has decreased by $3,000, students have been taking out more student … [Read more...] about Why are students shackled with debt?
Financial aid is not keeping up with inflation
By Lynn Post |Staff Writer| Every time the cost of tuition increases the amount of money awarded to students should as well, because inflation is apparent in both sides of the equation. If it does not it will cause fewer students to be able to attend college at a time when having an education is crucial for survival. Not allowing students enough money to afford college fees and personal expenses is a detriment to their health and well-being. It leaves less time for academics; due to worry on where their next meal will come from and how many extra hours they need to work to afford gas and other expenses. According to the US inflation calculator, inflation in 2012 increased by 1.7 … [Read more...] about Financial aid is not keeping up with inflation
Community projects on chopping block
By Hector Gama |Staff Writer| The Obama Administration has proposed new budget cuts that will leave the poor pleading for help. On February 14, 2011, the President released his FY 2012 Budget which contained a 50% cut to Community Services Block Grant (CSBG), the core funding for community action agencies. In addition to this, as much as 49% may be cut from the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), the primary funding for low income home heating. There are also other proposed cuts that would affect the programs and services we provide to San Bernardino County’s most vulnerable residents. The House Appropriations Committee has recommended cuts for 2011 that would … [Read more...] about Community projects on chopping block