Barber-Scotia College Issues Roadmap for Its Recovery

Founded in 1867 Barber-Scotia College, the historically black educational institution in Concord, North Carolina, has fallen on tough times. Financial difficulties and other problems caused the college to lose its accreditation in 2004. This prevented students at the school from receiving any state or federal financial aid. Enrollments plummeted. This spring there were only 20 students enrolled.

But the college plans a comeback. This fall the college will be offering instruction in three fields: religious studies, business entrepreneurship, and bio-energy research. The college hopes to raise $10 million by 2011 to fund operations and reduce long-term debt. It hopes to be listed as a candidate for accreditation next spring, which would once again make its students eligible for federal and state scholarship grants and loans.

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