Apply to be apart of the SOLES community.
Applications for the 2024-2025 SOLES Program
Currently Open until Filled, 2024!
Please read about our “Approach” and see our “Tiered” payment suggestions below before applying.
Please reach out if you have any questions!
Sliding Scale Tuition
We feel strongly that SOLES should be accessible to all, regardless of income level. The sliding scale is a tool that allows students to personally assess their ability to contribute and select the price point of tuition that will allow them to access our programs. The implementation of a sliding scale is part of our commitment to economic justice and continued equity within education.
SOLE Sisters and families may select from the first two reduced tuition tiers, pay the middle tier level which reflects the true cost of the course, or select from the fourth and fifth tiers to pay it forward to another student. Paying according to one’s resources creates a more equitable, diverse and sustainable community.
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I consider myself low-income/low-wealth. I cannot access this course without financial hardship.
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I consider myself low-middle income/wealth. Paying full price for this course presents somewhat of a financial hardship.
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I consider myself middle income/wealth. Paying this price may be a sacrifice, but I can find the resources to do so.
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I consider myself upper-middle income/wealth. I have the resources to pay full price plus a little more to help subsidize access for those who cannot.
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I have the resources and desire to ensure that these classes remain accessible to people of all income/wealth levels for the long term.
To determine your place on the scale, we encourage people to honestly assess their resources and consider the difference between a sacrifice and a hardship. If attending the course would be difficult, but not detrimental, that qualifies as a sacrifice. You may have to cut back on spending in other areas to prioritize your participation in the course. If attending the course would be detrimental to your financial health and affect your ability to meet basic needs, that is considered a hardship. A sliding scale requires honest and thoughtful consideration of the complexities of income, wealth, class, race, and other forms of inequity that affect an individual’s ability to pay. We do not require income verification for our sliding scale. We trust that participants will choose a sliding scale amount that reflects what they are able to pay, and also reflects their desire to support others in joining our community.
Consider paying more if you:
Own your own home
Have generational wealth, property, or investments (for example contributing to a 401K)
Have a high degree of earning power due to education, race, or gender privileges
Travel recreationally
Consider paying less if you:
Are receiving public assistance
Are supporting dependents
Have significant debt –medical, education, etc
Have immigration related expenses
Are on a fixed income
Thank you to Yestermorrow Design/Build School who helped us shape and articulate our policy:
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: I need more aid than the sliding scale offers. Can I still apply for scholarships?
A: Yes! If the sliding scale program does not meet your need, please indicate that you need a full scholarship in your application or just email Ashley to let us know.