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fund for a better way to get degree

Help Fund a Better Way to Pay for College Textbooks

Help an entrepreneur kickstart a business providing discount college course textbooks and materials

Our Story:

Hello, my name is Brandon, and I here to present to you a problem: the rising cost of college course textbooks and materials. They are often not covered by financial aid, scholarships, or grant money, and often it can be difficult for students to find the appropriate edition, copy, or version that is requested by the instructor. On top of this, sometimes the student is unable sell back the books due to their age, length of use, or simply because they have become outdated since the last printing.

My goal is to change this situation for the millions of college-bound students struggling in the same situation. No family should have to make the tough decision, trying to determine where the funding for yet another college expense is going to come from. I myself did not come from wealthy family, and we unfortunately were not able to spare the money for me to pursue a college degree. I want to save other potential college students the trouble of making this sacrifice.

I would like to start a website-based business where college students could find both the materials and the course textbooks required for their college courses, but offered at rock-bottom prices compared to what they would normally pay at the university.

Impact:

In its most recent survey of college pricing, the College Board reports that a "moderate" college budget for an in-state public college for the 2013-2014 academic year averaged $22,826. A moderate budget at a private college averaged $44,750.

College textbook prices are 812 percent higher than they were a little more than three decades ago, the American Enterprise Institute, a think tank, reports. Textbook costs have well outpaced the 559 percent increase in tuition and fees over roughly the same period.

Roughly one-fifth of a textbook's price goes to the store where it is sold to cover personnel and operating costs, while more than three-quarters goes straight to the publisher, according to a recent article from U.S. News & World Report.

New editions are released on average every 3.9 years, but a 2008 report from the California state auditor found many college deans, department chairs and faculty members admitted revisions to textbooks are often minimal and not always warranted. Sadly, a majority of students admit to not purchasing at least one textbook required for their classes because the price is too high.

Most colleges estimate and publish the average costs for books and supplies at their institution. In addition to textbooks, typical school supplies include printed class materials, extra required reading materials (such as classic novels for an English class), reference books, and the usual office supplies (such as pens, pencils, file folders, and notebooks). Some colleges include the cost of a computer and computer accessories. Some colleges don't include these costs at all. The College Board reports the average cost for books and supplies for the 2013-2014 school year was $1,207 at public colleges and $1,253 at private colleges.

What We Need & What You Get:

I am seeking funding to help get my website off the ground. I have the basics of my plans worked out, but it costs money to build a website, find vendors that are selling the right textbooks, and pay customer service workers to help with the orders placed once the site goes live.

By donating to my project, you are helping college students everywhere save money on their books and materials, allowing them to spend more of their money towards tuition and all of the other aspects of college that are so expensive.

Other Ways To Help

If you can't donate at this time, there are still many ways to help! Please share our story via social media, email and word of mouth to tell your friends about our campaign. Thank you in advance

Organizer

Brandon Kramer
Organizer
Troy, NY

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