Letter: Student-Led Nonprofit Holds AP Book Drive In Fairfield

To the editor,

In the last week of March and first week of April, schools across the area will participate in a book drive for Advanced Placement Test Prep materials. The drive is being organized by a new student-led nonprofit. The Connecticut Students’ Cooperative is an organization founded with one singular purpose: Unifying students to tackle the issues of education inequality and food insecurity.

The book drive will take place across five high schools, including Fairfield Ludlowe, Staples, Fairfield Prep, and Brian McMahon. We believe that by asking people to donate old prep books, we can level the playing field, even if just by a little bit. Donated books will be supplied to students enrolled in AP level classes who need books to prepare for their AP exams in May. These prep books have been used once and neglected, and should go on to a better purpose, with someone who needs them.

Once taking the AP exam in one subject area, a student would have no use for old books. Instead of letting them sit or simply throwing them out, they should be put to good use. By donating them to those who cannot afford them, you offer a second life and an opportunity for equity in the community.

The problem (as we see it) is unequal access to the opportunity provided by these AP exams. Students in wealthy areas tend to do better (on average) than students in less wealthy areas. Part of that is a tilted amount of resources available to students who can afford them, like these AP prep books. Getting a good score on an AP exam is useful, as it can often be counted for college credit at nearly no cost compared to a college course. AP credits can be used to graduate early from colleges. Without prep books, it becomes harder to get a good score, which leads to more classes in college, and maybe even more time there, which costs more in tuition fees.

These prep books are sitting idle, and we seek to promote change in education inequality. People need these books, and we are in a unique position as students to do something about it. It is not just our responsibility, but our duty to provide help to those who want it.

Books can be donated by students at any of the high schools listed above, or purchased through our Amazon wishlist, linked here. Any high school students interested in donating books at a high school not listed can reach out via Instagram @ctstudentscooperative.

Ewan Dignon