In the context of the recent efforts to arrive at a federal budget, articles abound in the popular media and trade publications debating both the value of Pell Grants and their rising cost to the U.S. government. Both pros and cons of the debate hold value. Pell Grants are what enable many low-income families to send their children to college and,…

Merit-based financial aid has been a growth industry in the United States over the past decade. Much media attention has focused on the use of merit aid by colleges and universities to try to attract academically talented students. In this article, the author argues that merit aid programs are the wrong tools for helping develop a skilled…

Since the early 1980s, several unions have negotiated for training and education funds paid for by the employer and administered jointly by the union and the company. However, the link between lifelong learning and productivity is more a matter of belief than a proven fact. (JOW)

Corporations are now partnering with universities to offer their employees a wider variety of programs and courses through distance education. Three models for corporate-college partnerships are as follows: (1) the classic approach (tuition reimbursement); (2) portal approach (courses available online); and (3) training approach (course tailored…

Questions are answered concerning the planning of an employer tuition aid study. Questions include: who will carry out the study, how will the information be used, how will the employers be selected, what information will be collected, how will the information be collection, and how will information be reported. (CT)

This article examines grants (Pell Grants, Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants, state grants) and work-study and loan programs. Discusses aid available to low-income and middle-income families, average amount of various types of awards, and what percentage of students is receiving financial aid. (CT)

Public and private training providers deliver efficient training somewhere, but no single provider does it everywhere. While this flexibility is an advantage, the system could be improved by giving individuals and employers the means--cash grants, tax subsidies, or loans--to choose among available offerings. (SK)

This article is adapted from a memorandum prepared by the head of an independent school for the education and compensation committees of the school's board of trustees. Presented in question-and-answer format, it reflects primarily a faculty point of view. (Author/SJL)

Discusses the Golden Rule Insurance Company's educational choice program which assists lower-income families in sending children to private/church schools. Identifies benefits (e.g., introduction of public school choice plan, and families' sense of control over future). Answers criticisms (e.g., destroying public school system, racial motivation,…

Presents details of the Zelman argument in Zelman v. Simmons-Harris, which challenged the Cleveland school voucher program. Argues that Cleveland's intent was not to assist private schools or advance religion, but rather to help students who were enrolled in a failing public school system. (NB)

Explores how school administrators can provide a quality Catholic education for all families without depleting the parish's limited financial resources. Describes a phase-in process for a parish tuition assistance program as a new model for implementing change. (VWC)

Education financed by employers is seen as a largely unexplored area for enrollment increases and beneficial partnerships with the private sector. Employment-based tuition assistance programs can become a building block for the full range of successful higher education relationships with employers and unions. (Author/MLW)

Argues that by offering financial aid to more students, Catholic schools can add programs and attract more tuition-paying students. Asserts that, just as an airline carefully monitors the price of each seat and the negative impact of each empty seat, Catholic schools can benefit from doing the same by setting optimal enrollment goals and offering…

A wide variety of educational benefits have been obtained by unions through collective bargaining. The challenge is to develop policies and programs that will enable workers and their families to more fully utilize these benefits. Union-sponsored education is discussed and the need for national planning is emphasized. (Author/MLW)

A policy is proposed to enhance recruitment and retention of quality teachers in Catholic schools. Teachers would receive educational scholarships based on years of service, redeemable for the educator or the educator's dependent child. Such tuition scholarships would provide incentive for persons to enter or stay in teaching. (SLD)