What Can College Board Incentive Money Be Spent On? (And Why You Should Be Asking)
Let’s talk about the College Board. You know, that organization that seems to have a monopoly on your dreams of getting into your dream college? Yeah, them. They’re notorious for charging exorbitant fees for their exams and services, and they’ve got a hefty pile of cash sitting in their bank accounts. But where does all that money go? And what about those incentive programs they offer? Are they actually helping students, or are they just a clever marketing ploy?
The College Board claims to be a non-profit organization, but their annual revenue exceeds a billion dollars. That’s a lot of money, especially considering they only spend a measly 10% on fee discounts. So where’s the rest going? Well, let’s just say, it’s not going to charity. It’s going to marketing, advertising, and lining the pockets of those at the top.
Now, let’s talk about incentives. The College Board offers incentives to students who participate in their programs, like AP exams and SATs. These incentives can range from gift certificates to access to free programs and services. But here’s the catch: these programs are often designed to encourage participation in their programs, not necessarily to benefit students.
Incentives: A Two-Way Street (With a Big Side of Profit)
Think of these incentives as a two-way street. The College Board gets more data on students, which they can then use to market their products and services. Students, on the other hand, get a little something extra for their participation. But are those incentives really worth it? Do they actually help students succeed in their academic journey? Well, that’s a question worth pondering.
Take the AP Incentive Program, for example. This program gives money to states to increase the participation of low-income students in AP courses. Sounds great, right? But the program has been criticized for being ineffective and for promoting a “test-and-teach” mentality, where teachers focus on teaching to the test rather than teaching for understanding.
Another glaring example is the AP exam fee subsidies. The College Board offers these subsidies to schools with large AP programs. This seems like a good way to help schools offset the cost of AP exams. However, the College Board is also the one setting the price of these exams in the first place. So, in essence, they’re giving money back to schools for something they’re charging exorbitantly for. Talk about a win-win situation… for them, of course.
The College Board also offers scholarships to students who score high on their AP exams. This sounds like a great way to reward academic achievement. But here’s the catch: these scholarships are often small and come with strings attached. For instance, you might be required to attend a specific college or major in a specific field. In other words, these scholarships are often used to steer students towards programs that benefit the College Board, not necessarily the students themselves.
So, what can you do with the College Board incentive money? Here are a few ideas, keeping in mind that the ultimate goal is to help students, not line the pockets of the College Board:
Spending College Board Incentive Money Wisely (And Not Just on Marketing)
- Invest in student resources. Use the money to purchase textbooks, software, or other resources that can help students succeed in their studies. This could include things like online tutoring programs, study guides, or access to research databases. Make sure these resources are actually helpful to students and not just a way for the College Board to make a profit.
- Offer financial aid to students. Use the money to provide financial aid to students who are struggling to pay for college. This could include scholarships, grants, or loan forgiveness programs. This would actually be a meaningful way to support students and help them reach their educational goals.
- Support teacher professional development. Use the money to provide training and professional development opportunities for teachers who are teaching AP courses. This would help teachers stay up-to-date on the latest teaching methods and curriculum changes, ultimately leading to better learning outcomes for students.
- Fund research on college affordability. Use the money to fund research on the rising cost of college and to develop solutions to make college more affordable for all students. This would be a valuable investment in the future of education, and it would help to address the growing problem of student debt.
You see, the problem isn’t necessarily the incentive programs themselves. It’s how the College Board is using the money they make from these programs. They’re using it to boost their own profits, not to benefit students or education as a whole.
So, the next time you see a College Board incentive program, think twice. Ask yourself: “Is this program really about helping students, or is it just another way for the College Board to make a profit?”
The College Board has a lot of money, and they have the potential to make a real difference in the lives of students. But they need to shift their priorities and start investing in education, not just in themselves. It’s time for the College Board to put students first, not profits.
If you need help getting your hands on the best resources or need more information about how the College Board uses its incentives, feel free to connect with us at JobLoving. We’re here to help you navigate the college application process and make sure you’re getting the most out of your education.