College Students Are Responsible for Their Census Survey

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By Melissa Wagner

Story Published: Mar 9, 2010 at 6:41 PM PDT

Ellensburg - College students are worth big bucks to the communities they're living in. That's only if the schools can educate them on the coming census.

We discovered most college students aren't prepared for the big count , and that could cost your city millions.

" It's their responsibility to send that back in to the census," said Lorinda Anderson, Director of the Don and Verna Duncan Engagement Center at CWU.

Their 4-year stay could impact CWU and the city for the next decade. To the tune of $1,400 per person. And it's all about the census.

Chelsea Starr said, " I'm a student, I'm actually going to school on federal loans and basically if we don't get these federal funds in, there's a possibility I won't be able to get my loans."

Starr is a census volunteer. Before getting involved, she didn't know she was responsible for her own census. Something the school is working to change.

" We're training RA's to make sure they're teaching how to fill it out and make sure that all of our approximately 3000 students on campus are counted," said Anderson.

This group has one goal. Get the word out. Starr said, " There's everyday resources being used within your community and if you don't take the initiative to be part of the census, there's potential those resources could be taken away from you."

These volunteers know all about the census. They've done their homework. But do the students who are filling it out for the first time even know what the census is about? We're going to find out.

These CWU students were only 9 when the last census was taken.

" Well, I know it has something to do with the people," said Freshman Katie Brown.

Andrew Harris, a Senior said this, " I don't know what it's about. I'm just being honest here, I really have no idea."

" What's the census?" said Melanie Carolan.

Katie asks, " Do we have to do it?" Reporter replies, " You do. If you refuse there's a 100 dollar fine." Katie answered, "Are you serious? Oh my Gosh, ok!"

It's clear these volunteers have their work cut out for them. Students throughout the state should start getting their census forms next week. CWU will go dorm to dorm if it means getting everyone to participate.

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