Interpreters Need Financial Aid Too
Thursday March 15, 2007
An About visitor wrote:
I may be asked to leave college and that means that my education to become an ASL Interpreter will come to an end. I will give you a little bit of background concerning this matter, but what I am seeking are those individuals that you might know (maybe even those on your forums) that could give me insight, guidance, referrals to those that could assist me. I am doing what I can to receive the ASL classes which will lead to the Interpretering classes, then on to Certification.
I may be asked to leave college and that means that my education to become an ASL Interpreter will come to an end. I will give you a little bit of background concerning this matter, but what I am seeking are those individuals that you might know (maybe even those on your forums) that could give me insight, guidance, referrals to those that could assist me. I am doing what I can to receive the ASL classes which will lead to the Interpretering classes, then on to Certification.
***
My answer was, "Don't give up..there is a need for interpreters as you know. I wonder if the article on financial aid and scholarships might help? It does mention interpreters." Do you know of any other sources of financial aid specifically for interpreters that are not mentioned in this article?
Comments
The person leaving college does not have to give up training. I wish more information had been given and how proficient he or she is at this time. Also what state.
There are always ways!
You don’t say where you live. I know here in California, there are many ways to get a college education paid for through state and federal grants. the Board fo Governor’s Grant, (BOGG), as well as CELL and PELL grants. There may be similar options in your state. Check with a counselor at the colleg where you are attending. Also, check on-line classes through ASL University at www.asluniversity.com. Good luck, and do not give up. As Jay said, there are always ways.
I “feel your pain”. I too want to become a certified interpreter, but with one degree already I’m not eligible for a PELL grant. Hubby works 2 jobs to pay the bills, we don’t rack up the credit cards, but we still need financial aid to just keep our kids in school. I’ve been told that the school I want to go to here in MO (Florissant Valley Community College) has no scholarships for me. The stress of another student loan is just too much for us to handle right now.
But I’m not going to let that stop me! I’ve found the name and email of one of the teachers there at my college of choice, and I’ve asked her to email me a list of books & materials the curriculum requires. Why should I wait to learn in the classroom when I can possibly buy one book at a time or check them out from the library?
Also, our youngest (3rd) child will start kindergarten this fall. I’m already asking where on campus I might find a part time job. It might help to pay a few bills, and I’m hoping it may also allow me to attend a free class here and there. This is not the fastest way to achieve my goals, but I’d regret not doing all I can to reach certification.
If your heart is in it, do it!
I’m almost curious to find out the cost of tuition in the states for the interpreter course. Here in Canada, it’s a 2-3-yr program (depending where you take it) and the one I enrolled in for the fall of 2007 is $2600/yr. To that you must add your books but still, it seems much more affordable than places who ask $10,000. or more.
I was curious to find out where the original writer of this post is from.
Whatever you do, don’t give up your training and stay involved with the Deaf community. I learned that it is the best practice one can get.