Volume 12 , Issue 22

1937 NYA (Government Grants for Youths)

In the 1937 The Ranger Annual of Northwestern State Teachers College it gave the following information concerning the NYA (National Youth Administraion) as written in 1937 by Hal Hall. I believe this is the government grant that my mother, Vada Paris, received when you attended Northwestern State Teachers College.

The above letters (NYA) stand for "National Youth Administration." This is a part of a general "Youth Movement" designed to assist the needy and deserving youth of our land to prepare for a useful and happy citizenship.

This assistance is rendered through a fund allotted to each state from which students, otherwise unable to attend school or college, may earn enough money to enable them to enter and remain in school. Part of this fund is allotted to a certain percent of the high school students from registered WPA familites. Part is allotted to students working for advanced degrees in Graduate schools; but the larger portion goes to the undergraduate students of colleges and universities. There is also a division of the NYA -- the Project division, entirely apart from teh high schools and colleges. This is also hooked up with the WPA. The college division has no connection with the WPA.

Last year, this college had a monthly allotment of $1455.00. This sum was sufficient to employ 97 sutdents with an average of fifteen dollars a month.

Shortly after college opened in September of this year, an additional sum was allotted to each of seven states from the "dust" area, following a meeting of representatives from those states in Missouri, which sent up a petition for additional distribution. Our share of this fund was $1095.00 a month, raising our monthly payroll for each of the nine months to $2550.00. This is an average of fifteen dollars for 170 students. Since some of these do not need the full amount, we have been able to carry from 168 to 193 on our monthly payroll. At present, we have about 180.

Without this help, it is safe to say that almost all of the recipents of this aid would have been unable to remain in college. probably a larger percent of our enrollment have received this aid than will be found in any other teachers college. We could well use a larger sum.

Not only has this fund been a "Godsend" to these students, but it has very greatly helped the different departments of the college. While this is not the purpose of the grant, the benefit to the work of the teaching staff is no less real. It is difficult to see how we ever will be able to do without the assistance rendered in clerical and other capacities by these NYA workers.

They hoped that this work will continue after the present college year expires. The present allotment ceases with the end of the second semester. No money is available for the summer term. But if the work is continued for another year, the "dust-bowl" extra allowance will in all probability not be continued. This will necessitate the cutting down of our force nearly one-half. The rules governing the selection of next year's workers will not be worked out until it is assured NYA will continue. It is safe to say that high scholarship, and good service on the part of present workers will weigh very heavily in the selections.

Last year, the grade-point average of NYA students was 18 points above the entire student average. In practically all organizations, this same higher average prevailed, and in some cases, the difference was more pronounced. Here are some cases:

• Pi Kappa Delta, NYA 2.58; entire group 2.44
• A Capella Choir, NYA 1.96; enire group 1.51
• WAA, NYA 1.70; entire group 1.29
• Little Theater, NYA 1.89; entire group 1.72
• All Students, NYA 1.46; entire group 1.28

International Relations Club

as written in 1937 by Camille Katherman

The International Relations club was organized on the campus of Northwestern in the spring of 1936 by a group of interested students, with Dr. F. K. Wadley as faculty adviser. Some twelve or fifteen students met and organized the club, electing Vernon Van Fleet, president.

In April, 1936 the club sent Annette Parker, Camille Katherman, and Dr. Wadley to the regional conference of the International Relations clubs at Denton, Texas.

Throughout the year the club gave interesting and educational programs, having both student and visiting speakers.

In the fall of 1936 the meetings were again begun. New officers were elected; Howard Harpham, president; Camille Katherman, vice president; Doreen Cates, secretary; Edward Aud, reporter; and program committee including also Amelia Yauk and Opal DeMoss. The club has worked throughout the year in organizing a speaker's bureau which will give programs in nearby towns.

In March the club sent four members accompanied by Dr. Wadley to Lubbock, Texas to attend the regional conference. Those who went were; Merle Howard, Camille Katherman, Lawrence Bransgrove, and Charles Mitchell.

The aim of the club is to further Peace by free and open discussion of major questions. The club is aided in its futherance of Peace by the support of the Carnegie Foundation at New York.   |  View or Add Comments (0 Comments)   |   Receive updates ( subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

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