PHOENIX - The rising costs of college tuition, room and board aren't the only financial obstacles to higher learning, according to a new report, which finds that soaring textbook prices are keeping some Arizona students from getting the most out of college education.

According to Ethan Senack, higher-education associate with the Public Interest Research Group, the average cost of a college textbook has risen 82 percent in the past decade, to nearly $200 per volume, which, for students, can mean $1200 per year.

"When students are doing their best to earn a degree within four years, they should be focused on taking the classes they need to earn their degree, not tapped out because they have to choose between a textbook and rent," Senack declared.

The report says that despite the increased prevalence of rental programs, used books and e-books, 65 percent of students have opted out of purchasing a book for a class, with nearly all reporting they suffered academically as a result. The full report is available at USPIRG.org.

Senack said the good news is that students are ready for alternatives to the traditional textbook model. The report proposes more universities embrace the use of "open" textbooks, which are faculty-written and peer-reviewed, but published under an open license. They're free for students to read online or download and print.

"There's a tremendous potential to save students money and give them the access they need to the textbooks they're required to buy for their course, without breaking the bank," he said.

Open textbooks typically cost from $20 to $40 to purchase a hard copy. Legislation to authorize grants to create and adapt more open textbooks has been introduced in both the U.S. Senate and House, but the bills face stiff objections from the traditional publishing industry and haven't made it to the floor of either chamber.



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About 53% of high school students think voting is important, according to a survey out today from the nonprofit Youth Truth.

Researchers polled 115,000 American high school students, including Californians, on civic engagement and found 60% believe "helping others is important," but only 44% feel confident in their ability to make a difference.

Jennifer de Forest, interim vice president of Youth Truth, said 30% of students translate their intentions into meaningful action.

"They say, 'We don't know where to start,'" de Forest explained. "And that's the best-case scenario, because for many students, they've actually internalized the message that the system is broken, and that what they have to say doesn't matter."

Latino students report feeling the most disempowered. Only 26% have taken civic action and just 46% believe voting is important. Many students said they are more focused on academic success and college acceptance. But they say extracurriculars like scouting, band and sports do make them feel more civic-minded.

Kate Snow, coordinator of school climate for the Davis Joint Unified School District, which brought diverse student groups together for a youth empowerment workshop, said districts need to build young people's confidence in the importance of their voices.

"There's a link between how schools are engaging students and helping students see their own power and use their power, with how they see and use it in the public arena," Snow pointed out.

The report encouraged schools to promote the importance of voting and students getting involved in their community.

People who have gone through the foster care system in Oregon will get a chance to help improve it. The Oregon Department of Human Services has agreed to a settlement in a class action lawsuit filed by foster children. As part of the agreement, foster youth and anyone who has aged out of care since 2019, when the suit was filed, will get a chance to share their feedback about the settlement with U.S. District Judge Ann Aiken on September 12th.

Emily Cooper, legal director for Disability Rights Oregon, one of the organizations that filed the initial lawsuit. She welcomes the opportunity for input.

"They have an opportunity to say, 'I think the state should also, maybe do these other things,' or 'the state should really focus on this.' And the court and we really want to hear from these children and young adults," she said.

A listening session is being held today at 5 p.m. and Saturday at 1 p.m. to provide instructions on how to share feedback. Cooper notes nearly 5,000 people will be eligible to participate. Those wanting to share must sign up online by August 15th or send a letter to Judge Aiken by August 16th.

Cooper said the state needs to make drastic changes to the foster care system. The initial suit was filed because of concerns about kids being abused, neglected and going without essential services. She says the state has agreed to make certain changes over the next ten years.

"Making sure that kids aren't cycling in and out of the system, going home, coming back. That's called reentry. It's making sure they have case plans within the first two months of entering care, making sure they get the services like medical, dental, mental health care when they're in care," Cooper said.

Cooper shared the agreement with one of the women involved in the case and she told Cooper she cried after reading it.

"She said, 'Because if all of these promises that are in this agreement had been kept before I entered care, I wouldn't have the scars I have. So I think this is not just for me but every single kid like me," Cooper added.


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Kids' summer camp means horseback riding, hiking and scavenger hunts. But one Indianapolis chef is using the school break to teach youths cooking and business skills.

The Culinary Art Summer Bootcamp instructs participants - generally ages 16 to 22 - on food handling, healthy meal preparation, and table etiquette.

Twelve students attended the first camp in 2023. This year, the enrollment number is 28.

Healthy Soul Indy founder and chef Tawana Gulley saw a niche she wanted to fill.

"The camp initially started with just me seeing that there were just wayward kids that needed some guidance and something to do," said Gulley. "The only thing that I felt like I could bring to the table and offer them was my skill set in the culinary-arts area."

Gulley credited career development teacher Eric Kilbride with creating the camp's blueprint and securing funding. She said previous students have received certification for culinary careers.

According to workforce site Indiana Career Explorer, the average annual salary for a chef is almost $55,000.

Business and food-industry professionals are invited to the camp to share their expertise about financial literacy, marketing, and having a business plan.

The importance of customer service and responsibility are discussed in roundtable talks. Gulley said she strives to provide a well-rounded camp experience.

"So after we train them, and after they go through their morning with an entrepreneur, they go out and they work with these vendors for two hours out of the day," said Gulley. "So, we have a certified trainer that comes and works out with the kids and talks to them about health and wellness."

Another important part of the camp is to raise participants' awareness about food deserts, particularly in urban areas.

The 2024 Survey Report: Food Assistance and Hunger in Indiana, indicates the U.S. Census found the percentage of Black households in Indiana with food insufficiency was twice as high - at 23%, while the general population is at almost 12%.





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