Legislators, please don't cut the Florida grant that funds my college dream
As a first-generation Hispanic college student from Kendall, every step I take in my education reflects my family's sacrifices and dreams.
The journey to pursue my bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) at Keiser University has been a profound mix of challenges and enriching experiences, a testament to the sacrifices my Cuban family has made for my education.
These sacrifices are not just financial but emotional and physical, as my family has supported me through every step of this journey.
Recently, I had the opportunity to travel to Tallahassee during Keiser's Day at the Capitol. I met with state representatives and senators to share what the Effective Access to Student Education (EASE) grant means to me and thousands of students across Florida.
It was a powerful moment that underscored the impact of our voices, especially when we're advocating for our education and future.
Now, the Florida House is proposing significant cuts to the EASE grant — a vital funding program that provides tuition assistance to Florida residents attending private, nonprofit institutions that are part of the Independent Colleges and Universities of Florida (ICUF).
The proposed cuts could strip this vital support from students at 15 of the 30 participating schools, affecting over half of the students who rely on this support.
This cut includes three of Florida's four historically Black colleges and universities, seven religious institutions and every private college in Miami-Dade.
The EASE grant may only be $3,500 per student, but for over 40,000 Florida residents — including me — it's a lifeline. It's not about privilege; it's about access.
EASE empowers students to choose schools that align with their learning needs and career goals rather than being forced into a one-size-fits-all option due to cost.
Personally, EASE helped me afford tuition and textbooks, making it possible for me to attend Keiser, where I found the supportive, personalized learning environment I needed to succeed.
Keiser offers what I was missing at a large public university: smaller class sizes, professors who know my name and a sense of community. Before transferring, I often felt lost in crowded lecture halls and disconnected from faculty, which hurt my motivation and confidence.
At Keiser, that changed. I found a place where I felt seen, supported, and valued — an experience that has transformed my education.
Beyond individual stories, the EASE grant supports a diverse range of students — adult learners, working parents and those balancing multiple responsibilities. Especially in demanding programs like nursing, the flexibility and encouragement offered by schools like Keiser are critical to student success.
Though EASE represents a small portion of the state budget, its personal and economic return is immense.
Looking past the individual impact of EASE, the return on investment is undeniable. For every $1 spent on EASE, Florida gets back $3.83 in economic value. The grant supports over 79,000 jobs and contributes $10.1 billion annually to Florida's economy. ICUF institutions like Keiser graduate 277 bachelor's degree students for every $1 million in state investment — compared to just 17 from public universities.
The impact of these cuts would be devastating, leading to potential tuition increases, program cuts and even closures of some institutions. This would not only disrupt the education of thousands of students but also threaten the existence of these institutions and the communities they serve.
Despite all this, the EASE grant is at risk.
I love this state. I want to stay, serve and give back to the community that raised me. However, cuts to the EASE grant would make that path significantly more challenging for me and tens of thousands of students working hard toward meaningful careers in healthcare, education, and other critical fields.
Florida's growth depends on an educated, diverse, and passionate workforce. The EASE grant is one of the best, most effective tools we have to build that future. I hope that our lawmakers choose to protect it.
Liliana Marquez is an undergraduate student at Keiser University Miami earning a bachelor's degree in nursing.
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