The present scholarship system has failed
Currently there are several bills pending in the Legislature that hope to improve the present scholarship fund system. The Legislature and the Administration have their own ideas on how scholarships should work. All of them have a common goal–the education of our youth with the hope that those that complete their formal studies will return home and become contributing members of our society.
Alas, that hope is only a partial reality. Far too many young men and women do not come home after completing their studies. Most of them prefer to remain in the States for many reasons. The often cited one is that few opportunities are available in the CNMI for them. If that is the case, didn’t they and we know this before we spent scholarship money on them? If that is really the reason then perhaps we should stop giving this free money away.
During the past five years, the Administration has given away approximately $20,000,000.00 in scholarship (an average of $40,000,000.00 per year). It is estimated that we will be investing over the next four years another $20,000,000.00 of scholarship money for a total of $40,000,000.00. This money is given to students who study at NMC or in the mainland. What is the return on our investment? Do we have the nurses, doctors, lawyers, accountants, engineers, and other much needed professionals as a result of this investment?
Scholarship money is considered as “human investment” and as such should be accounted for as any other investment. We must look at this huge amount of money as an investment in the betterment of our community. Any private corporation that invests this much money will carefully monitor its use and return on investment. Unfortunately, we just give it away as though it is a birthright to certain individuals at taxpayers expense.
Before anyone screams that I am against helping needy students to a better education, let me quickly state I am not against that. I am concerned that we are not getting the needed professionals. We are struggling to become self-sufficient and are willing to spend the money, but are not monitoring the investment properly.
The best suggestion being debated is a student loan. Loan the money to students and allow them to pay it back when they return to work. If they establish themselves here, the loan can be repaid over several years with a low interest or even partially forgiven. However should the student decide to relocate in another place, he should be obligated to repay the loan with interest.
To simply give money away without any strings smacks of patronage. Could it be that many elected officials see scholarship money as a form of solicitation for votes. You vote for me and I help your child.
Outstanding students with a firm commitment should definitely be assisted. I recall a wonderful program that former Judge Ramon Villagomez and some of his associates did in the legal professional. They encouraged several young lawyers who are currently practicing in the CNMI to attend law school and assisted them when they returned home.
We should pick up on that concept and decide how many people we need in various professional disciplines. Screen applicants and award full scholarships to educate them with the proviso they return home to work in the CNMI, not necessarily for life but at least for several years. Then if they wish to relocate they may after fulfilling their obligation.
As a firm believer in “human investments,” I strongly urge the Legislature and the Administration to review its past and present policy about scholarships. Spend scholarship money more wisely.
