The problem:  

According to the Education Data Initiative, “the average cost of college in the United States is $35,551 per student per year, including books, supplies, and daily living expenses.  The average cost of college has more than doubled in the 21^st century, with an annual growth rate of 7.1%.  The average in-state student attending a public 4-year institution spends $25,707 for one academic year.  The average cost of in-state tuition alone is $9,377; out-of-state tuition average is $27,279.  The average private, non-profit university student spends a total of $54,501 per academic year, $37,641 of it on tuition and fees.  Considering student loan interest and loss of income, the ultimate cost of a bachelor’s degree can exceed $500,000.”  With these figures, it is critical that college bound students apply for any and all scholarships and funds that are available.  

The educational program response:  

An article in the National Library of Medicine, Front Public Health, talks about the phrase “it takes a village to raise a child.”   “The phrase comes from an ancient African proverb, yet others believe it came from the Native American culture.”   Regardless of the origin, it holds true!   In Gallatin County, the Homemaker Organization and Family & Consumer Sciences (FCS) Agent, Ronda Rex, absolutely believe “it takes a village to raise a child.”  This is why each Spring, the FCS Agent, Homemakers and local businesses collaborate to conduct a 5K Fun Run/Walk.  This year, there were 61 runners/walkers of all ages and stages of life.   All proceeds go to the Mayme Walters Homemaker Scholarship ($1000), which is given each year to a deserving Gallatin County High School Senior to begin their college journey.

The participants/target audience:  

Each runner/walker who registers pays $15 which reserves them a 5K t-shirt, bag of Extension materials and a spot on the track.   The FCS Agent and Homemakers ask for sponsorships of $100 each from community partner/business.  All sponsors are honored with their logos on both the runners’ t-shirts and on a community banner which is posted at the 5K.  The event is beneficial for all involved (runners, businesses, high school seniors, the Homemakers and the community.  

Program impact or participant response:  

This year’s Mayme Walters Homemaker Scholarship winner is a young lady who will be attending college in the Fall to earn a degree in Graphic Communications.  She has plans of returning to Gallatin County when she graduates to help businesses with their marketing.  Regardless of where her career takes her, the Gallatin County Homemakers and the community of Gallatin County take great pride in knowing that it truly does take a village!    

Success Story submitted July 2023

Sources:

https://educationdata.org/average-cost-of-college  

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8964422/#:~:text=The%20phrase%20%E2%80%9Cit%20takes%20a,to%20realize%20their%20hopes%20and