SVA prides itself on its ability to take initiative with DEI, creating a structurally diverse cast of teachers and students alike; but the Black students I know, including myself, are dwindling in numbers as participants at SVA because of the immense cost. I, Mahalia Savage, have recently received a financial schedule hold notification by the Office of Residence Life informing me of my non-payment for the Fall 2025-Spring 2026 school year. Unable to pay this out of pocket or apply for loans, I am asking for the people's help. Previously, I relied solely on my single mother to take the brunt of my loans as a cosigner; her assisting my twin brother with loans, and the lack of access to another cosigner—I do not believe I have stable financial support towards finishing the junior year.

According to Touchnet Payment Portal, the Fall semester costs $22,089 to continue attending for the fall semester. If receiving a financial support that covers this, I will not require additional funds for sustenance or school supplies because of my position at the SVA Library and what I can acquire from the conventions SVA’s Cartoon Allies attends. I chose SVA because of my interest in comics and my belief that this school could uniquely fulfill my ambitions towards doing the medium justice. Its classes, professors, clubs, and opportunities have provided me with a wonderful sense of safety and belonging that I wish to keep. If I move back home temporarily, I cannot acquire the credits necessary to graduate with my degree.According to the SVA website’s 2014 Enrollment statistics, I fear I will be one of the 8% of Pell Grant recipients within Black/African American students still unable to graduate from this college program if I cannot afford the tuition. I will lose opportunities that SVA’s community has ushered me towards.

I am an active member of the SVA community—attending events, taking a leadership position with SVA’s clubs such as Cartoon Allies, and promoting its educational programs to others at conventions. I believe that my time here is not yet finished and I still have work to do for myself and for the SVA I’ve contributed to.

Please support Black youth and their dreams that are right around the corner.