I became a volunteer of Iduka because I personally believe this is a great cause, reaching out to college students in the community that need help with financing to pay for college expenses. I remember my own early college experience and the difficulties I faced as a single mother with two sons who were also in college. I had a hard time finding enough money to buy my books and pay my lab fees after paying tuition on a small salary and taking care of my family. Receiving an interest free Iduka micro loan would have really helped me fund those expenses. I immediately got connected with a passion for what Iduka, a nonprofit organization with a mission to promote college affordability by connecting students with lenders and community service organizations through a web-based micro-loan program. I encourage everyone to get involved with Iduka by volunteering time, giving a loan to help a much needy student, donating funds to help the organization with much needed seed money to roll out the programs and pay staff to run the programs. The organization also opened a thrift store to help students and family with gently used clothing and shoes, toys, household items and furniture at very low prices. It is such a great feeling to be a part of this wonderful organization and so rewarding to help a family that is struggling, especially during these difficult times, find items at such an afforble cost. I would emplore others to help by donating much needed items for the thrift store so we can continue to help those in need. Volunteers are also needed for the thrift store. Please endorse Iduka for the great vision to reach out to college students struggling to achieve higher education.
I've been involved with Iduka since day one. As a former educator I support America's goal to have the highest proportion of college graduates in the world by 2020 and the need to aggressively invest in METS - Math, Engineering, Technology, Science literacy. If on one hand, I feel it is important to realize that high school education is no longer adequate in the global economy; on the other, I understand that with the rise of postsecondary education costs it is not always possible for all deserving students to attend college. Due to the current economic recession and rising education costs, the demand for the services we provide at Iduka Microloans is increasing among middle-income students that can no longer solely rely on the four major types of financial support: grants, traditional student loans, work-study jobs, and their immediate families. On this point, the NACAC’s 2009 State of College Admissions has concluded that 85% of private institutions vs. 99% of public colleges surveyed saw an increase in applications for financial aid. Thus, the need for a micro-loan program, such as the one offered by Iduka. Creating this web-based micro-loan program will provide unique, interest-free lending up to three thousand dollars that in some cases, when matching funds are available to cover loans given to students facing proven hardship, can be converted into a scholarship. We are committed to bringing change to our community, country, and the world by helping students realize their dreams of a college education. Investment in education is critical to the future of our economic prosperity and must be made a top priority if the United States wants to remain competitive in the global arena. Iduka was created because we share and support this vision for America. For more information on to participate, volunteer or to make a loan and/or a donation, visit our website at www.iduka.org or contact us by phone at 772-335-9030.