“Throw the book at expensive textbooks: Let’s go All In for K-State, March 24, to support Textbooks 2.0, a program providing better class resources for K-Staters at a fraction of the cost. Check out, allin.ksufoundation.org. #AllInForKState“
On March 24, Kansas State University will host their second All In for K-State day of giving and the goal is to help students save money on textbooks. During the first All In for K-State, more than $320,000 was raised in one day to support one student-focused cause. Together, we took Cats’ Cupboard from start to flourish. This year, K-Staters will come together again — virtually — for one day to significantly reduce the cost of textbooks for students and support the university’s Open/Alternative Textbook Initiative, Textbooks 2.0. Textbooks 2.0 saves students money by replacing expensive traditional textbooks with open/alternative resources tailored to the class by the instructor.
Why Textbooks 2.0
“In 2019, we launched the inaugural All In for K-State day of fundraising and discovered what generous K-Staters can accomplish in one day for one philanthropic objective. On March 24 we’re going to rally the K-State family again to help students save money on textbooks and essential class resources,” said Greg Willems, president and CEO of the KSU Foundation. “All In for K-State 2021 is about providing digital textbooks, custom-tailored by class instructors, that students can afford. Over the past few years, we’ve learned how important digital alternatives to traditional class materials can be.”
Traditional textbooks costs rising 3X inflation rate
Over the past several decades, the cost of traditional textbooks has increased three times faster than the rate of inflation. For example: A textbook that cost $25 in 1977, now costs $285 (source: https://www.nbcnews.com/feature/freshman-year/college-textbook-prices-have-risen-812-percent-1978-n399926).
K-State undergrads pay nearly $1,000 per year for textbooks
K-State students are not immune to the high cost of traditional textbooks and the impact that has on the affordability of a college education. Undergraduate students at Kansas State University typically pay nearly $1,000 for books each year. Textbooks 2.0 currently cost only $10 per class. In the past six years, K-State students have saved $6.8M with Textbooks 2.0. Unlike traditional, commercially published textbooks, Textbooks 2.0 are available on multiple digital devices including phones, laptops and tablets, as students need them whenever and wherever they have internet access.
Improving educational affordability, equity and accessibility
“Supporting Textbooks 2.0 is kind of like giving a small scholarship to every student in a class year after year,” said Brian Lindshield, associate professor of food, nutrition, dietetics and health. “Not only does this help students financially, but students in classes with open/alternative textbooks all have access to a customized Textbooks 2.0 on the first day of class, something that does not occur for all students with traditional textbooks. Both of these benefits support their learning and success. I hope the K-State family comes together to support students during All In for K-State on March 24.”
Visit allin.ksufoundation.org to learn more about All In for K-State and Textbooks 2.0.
As Kansas State University’s strategic partner for philanthropy, the KSU Foundation inspires and guides philanthropy toward university priorities to boldly advance K-State family. Visit www.ksufoundation.org for more information.
