“Forever Frostburg” Aims to Help Students in Dire Need of Financial Support

College can be a difficult journey for students who do not have enough funds to finance academic needs.  Books, housing, meal-plans, and classes all require one thing—money, which many students do not always have enough of.  Many students drop out or take semesters off because of their lacking finances. The loss of a job, scholarships, loans, or family members that financially support students, can put their education at a stand-still.

Students were startled when they learned of the new tuition increase this semester. Tuition increased by 2 percent this year, making full-time, in-state undergrads pay an additional $58, and full-time, out-of-state students an extra $171. Although this may seem like a small increase, it can be difficult for some students to cover the cost. However, with the help of the Forever Frostburg scholarship program, some students that are eligible can apply, receive assistance, and go about their studies without financial strains.

The Frostburg Foundation is a non-profit organization founded in the 1970s that specializes in raising money for the university, and part of this money goes to scholarship funds. The foundation has an executive board that works diligently to ensure that students get the proper assistance to fund expenses.

In the spring of 2010, the Frostburg Foundation founded a new program called Forever Frostburg; the aim of this program to financially assist students with unique circumstances such as: the death of a parent or a spouse, loss of federal and state funding, or divorce of a parent or student.

Phonathon, an on-campus call center, reached out to alumni to help raise funds for the Forever Frostburg program, which ultimately turned out a success.  As the foundation expanded, faculty and staff members contributed to the foundation.  During fall of 2010, students received their first awards and have continued to since then.

“As long as the student meets the academic and financial need, they are eligible,” stated Janelle Mofett, director of administration for the FSU Foundation. Students with the greatest financial need are accounted for scholarships and grants first.  All participants must be full time students with a cumulative 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale.  The foundation provides students with loans, grants, and scholarships that are all interest-free.

The FSU Foundation is primarily funded by student alumni, staff members, scholarship, and departmental funds. There is no set dollar amount; students can receive the maximum award based upon personal and financial circumstances. Since 2010, approximately six hundred students have received funds from the Frostburg Foundation; the organization has also managed to raise 1.5 million dollars for students.

With the help of Forever Frostburg’s scholarships and loans, many students have been able to complete their degree with the help of the organization’s funding.  The 2015 deadline to apply for the FSU Foundation scholarships and loans is March 2.  Students must contact financial aid first, as the program is not only based on financial need but personal circumstances as well.

People may donate to this scholarship through the Frostburg Foundation.

For extended information on the offerings and benefits of Forever Frostburg, visit the following links : http://www.frostburg.edu/foundation/  https://frostburg.academicworks.com.