Financial concerns can be the difference between a smooth or challenging college experience. Many can secure scholarships to offset the expenses of tuition, but as every graduate knows, other costs can become barriers to success.
The UAB College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) is working to address some of these other potential financial challenges through its Books for Blazers program. Even in this digital age, access to course materials still has a price tag, typically around $1,200 per year.
The Books for Blazers Fund provides financial assistance to students toward paying for course materials, including digital access and physical copies. Students apply for the funds through UAB’s BSMART Scholarship Application and can contact the Dean’s Office for more information. How much is awarded to each student is determined by the amount of funding available and the student’s demonstrated need.
“The Books for Blazers Fund makes a real difference in the lives of our CAS students,” said Emily Dill, program manager for CAS recruitment and scholarships. “Many students work hard to balance classes, jobs, and family responsibilities, yet still face financial challenges that can delay registration or limit their access to required course materials. For them, the cost of books is not a small hurdle. It can be the difference between moving forward and falling behind.”
As a student from a low-income, single-parent family, Rodion Mayatskiy looked carefully at the costs to attend each university he applied to.
“I knew early on that, in the field of technology and IT, opportunities in my hometown (in Russia) were limited,” said Mayatskiy, a computer science major. “This became especially clear after the start of the Russian-Ukrainian war, when many international technology companies left the country and sanctions significantly reduced career prospects. These circumstances ultimately led me to take a risk and pursue my education in the United States.”
He chose UAB because he saw it as the “only school I could possibly attend financially” that had the degree program he wanted.
The Books for Blazers program helped Mayatskiy toward achieving his goals.
“Receiving this scholarship has provided tremendous relief and stability,” he said. “It has made my continued education at UAB far more affordable, allowing me to focus on my academic and personal growth rather than financial stress.”
Receiving assistance from the fund can also help students in other ways.
“Beyond financial relief, it is a powerful morale booster, especially for our first-time college students who are struggling to cover their final expenses,” Dill said. “Knowing that their college community believes in them and is invested in their success provides both relief and encouragement during a pivotal moment in their academic journey.”
The generosity of donors and availability of funds dictate the amount awarded to students for their books.
“I am deeply grateful for the generosity of the donors, whose support has reaffirmed my belief in the power of kindness and compassion across borders," Mayatskiy said. “I hope to one day give back and offer others the same life-changing support I have received.”
As students strive to reach their academic and career goals, CAS is partnering with philanthropic donors to help make the journey a little smoother. By removing the financial stress of paying for e-books, physical textbooks, and other college course materials, the Books for Blazers Fund is empowering students to focus on academic excellence and establish a firm foundation for launching the next chapter of their lives.
Books for Blazers is part of UAB’s Giving Days, an annual two-day fundraising campaign to highlight the collective power of small gifts to unique initiatives and the transformational impact those gifts can have when united in support of UAB’s mission. Give today!
