Your Message

Dear (Your Friend's Name),

Jan. 31, 2007

NAACP President & CEO encourages those seeking higher education to pursue it with vigor and not let cost be a deterrent to academic and lifetime success. Harvard University is just one institution that is literally opening its doors to a wider array of qualified students to obtain a degree and life-long learning experiences.

Reinforcing its commitment to opportunity and excellence across the economic spectrum, Harvard has significantly expanded its financial aid initiative for low- and middle-income families. Parents of families whose income totals less than $60,000 are no longer expected to contribute to the cost of their child attending Harvard. In addition, Harvard has substantially reduced the contribution of families with incomes between $60,000 and $80,000.

Harvard continues to implement policies that represent a commitment to providing equal access to quality education. What a tremendous opportunity for America's young people! Harvard's decision to eliminate early admissions requirements for top tier students coupled with their low and middle income aid packages are two steps in a positive direction. These can be viewed as best practices. Hopefully other colleges and universities will follow.

Raising the income thresholds for the financial aid initiative to a level above the median family income in the United States is meant to address the very real dilemmas felt by families struggling to balance rising living expenses and the cost of higher education.

For African American and other minority students, this move by Harvard University is particularly important given its ability to improve and increase access to higher education. Far too often, minority students come from locales with limited educational resources that can assist students in their pursuit of higher education.

The income thresholds build on the program announced in 2004. The number of students enrolled at Harvard from these income brackets increased by 24 percent for the class entering the fall of 2005-the first full year of the program. Students participating in the initiative meet all the university's normal rigorous admissions and acceptance policies. Two-thirds of Harvard students receive financial aid.

Founded in 1909, the NAACP is the nation's oldest and largest civil rights organization. Its members throughout the United States and the world are the premier advocates for civil rights in their communities, conducting voter mobilization and monitoring equal opportunity in the public and private sectors.

Sincerely,
(Your Name)