You can learn a lot of things in college.
You can study the law. You can explore history. You can become an artist, a scientist, an engineer or a teacher.
Most college students also learn a lot about debt.
The average cost of a year’s in-state public university tuition in the United States tops $11,000, per U.S. News and World Report. That’s a lot to swallow. It’s also just half the picture.
Room and board — you know, a twin bed in a dorm with a shared bathroom — costs even more. The National Center for Education Statistics puts it at $12,300.
That can explain why The Hope Center for College, Community and Justice found that 58% of the 195,000 students surveyed in 2020 reported being food or shelter insecure. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid compiles data from applicants. Its figures estimate there are 58,000 homeless students on campuses across the country.
Solutions have been put forth. There are schools with emergency programs. Some students forgo the schools they want to attend to commute from home to others. There are programs that designate “safe parking” areas for students living in their cars.
Other places offer a solution that benefits the student and community.
The Southwest Greensburg Volunteer Fire Station is home base for the firefighters who respond to local emergencies. It also can be home to college students who accept free housing in exchange for serving the community.
It’s a smart move in a state where the number of volunteer firefighters is falling but the need remains. Southwest Greensburg is also in a sweet spot to offer the program, sitting between Pitt-Greensburg, Seton Hill, Saint Vincent and Westmoreland County Community College.
Some college students unconcerned with cost are demanding luxury accommodations resembling all-inclusive resorts. Southwest Greensburg’s bunk-bed dorm might be unimpressive in comparison.
But in addition to potentially lowering student loans up to $48,000 over the four years of a degree, the program could have other benefits. It could save local lives and property. It could keep a college student warm and safe in a Pennsylvania winter.
And it could teach an important lesson about the lifelong value of serving the community.
