The Issue: Rising Costs of University Textbooks
Undergraduate students spend approximately $1,048 on textbooks every year, according to data from the Office of Financial Aid at the University of Michigan. This can be an onerous burden for the approximately 85% of in-state and 55% of out-of-state students receiving financial aid to support their educations. Not to mention the more than 100 students who turn to the Emergency Scholarship Fund to help cover costs during periods of unforeseen financial hardship.
The Campaign: Providing Used Textbooks for Undergraduates
If 40 people donate $10 to this Grassroots campaign, then Appreciate + Reciprocate (A+R) can provide 10 used textbooks for students who are receiving financial aid and have experienced an unforeseen financial need. Each additional $40 raised will supply another used textbook.
Appreciate + Reciprocate
In 2009, a group of University of Michigan students decided to give back to the community in appreciation for the scholarships they had received. They founded Appreciate + Reciprocate (A+R) to raise money for the LSA Emergency Scholarship Fund, which provides aid for undergrads facing an unforeseen financial hardship. Dedicated to the notion that finances shouldn’t pose a barrier to education, A+R raises money through bake sales, postgame cleanups, and benefit concerts to help students pay for textbooks or their rent. The organization also sponsors volunteer activities at a tutoring center, a residential home for the elderly, and local parks to help students make a positive impact on the community.
See how Groupon helps you discover local causes and lend a helping hand at the Groupon Grassroots blog.