RED LAKE – Red Lake Nation College students will have access to free digital textbooks starting with the upcoming fall semester.
The college is partnering with CourseBreaks, an initiative that provides textbooks and study aids for over 50 college courses including biology, psychology, business and English composition.
By removing the cost of textbooks underwritten by sponsors, RLNC President Dan King hopes the partnership can reduce the financial burden that comes with purchasing textbooks, particularly for first-generation college students.
“Among the commonplace challenges of today’s college life, the cost of attending college — which includes the cost of course materials and fees — can place a serious strain on many of our students,” King said in a release. “Our college staff and faculty step in and help by serving as that crucial support system for our students. That includes finding ways to keep course costs manageable.”
CourseBreaks cites that textbook prices have increased by 800% since 1990 while the overall cost of college has risen by 1,200% since 1980.
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“By taking the cost of textbooks off of the student's shoulders, we can free up $1240 or more in a student’s annual budget,” a release said.
The first phase of the initiative is in place for many other tribal colleges and universities as well.
“We’ve already recruited sponsorship from Minnesota-based businesses to the point that we can offer the program to RLNC and other interested (tribal colleges and universities) starting this fall,” Textbook Media Co-founder Tom Doran said in a release.
Regarding collaboration, Doran added, “We look forward to working with Dr. King and his staff to make the CourseBreaks program at RLNC one that not only benefits their students but their families and course instructors as well.”
More information can be found at www.textbookmedia.com .
