Hayward’s Chabot College  was awarded a two year $300,000 FIPSE grant (Fund for Improvement of Post Secondary Education) in January for their exemplary textbook rental program.  They were required to set up their plan so it could be implemented by other colleges and to serve as a role model.

Very few colleges offer textbook rentals, how did Chabot College become a leader in this endeavor?

In 2008 the Chabot College Foundation determined that the biggest challenge facing students was that they could not afford the books.

“Textbooks often cost four times as much as a course credit,” said Heidi B. Finberg, Associate Director of the Chabot College Foundation. “We discovered that students were trying to get by on their notes because they couldn’t afford the books.”

Together with their community sponsor, Hayward’s California Bank & Trust, they raised $12,000 and, using one health textbook, launched a pilot textbook rental program.  This provided the data they needed to put together a successful model to present when they applied for the grant. 

Today, instructors at Chabot College must choose books that can be used for a minimum of two years for their courses whenever possible.  Then, based on the highest number of students who need them, the best and often more expensive books will be bought since the burden is no longer on the students. Textbook rental is 30 percent of cost, the books pay for themselves in three rents. 

At a time when the public’s perception of banks isn’t at its highest, the steadfast support that Chabot College has received through the years from California Bank & Trust is the heartening type of community action that people want to hear about.  “In this day and age, it’s nice that California Bank & Trust  is stepping forward.  Their foundation is committed to continuing the fund when previous sponsors have had to withdraw, due to the economy,” said Finberg.

Richard Hong, Vice President and Branch Manager of California Bank & Trust, Hayward, and Chabot College Foundation former president and now board member believes that Chabot College  reflects the tempo of the community.  Hong says, "Chabot College plays an integral part in building the economic vitality of Hayward and provides an excellent foundation for students who want to learn and follow a career path. The textbook rental program makes it more economically feasible for Chabot College students to pursue their academic and career goals."

For more information on renting textbooks at Chabot College or implementing the program at another institution contact Heidi B. Finberg at hbfinberg@chabotcollege.edu. 

About Cynthia Joseph

Cynthia is writing and looking for a great job. She also is happy doing yoga, reading, running, hiking, exploring new things and hanging with her cats. She's thinking out loud at goingtoburningman2010.wordpress.com