Just as a high school diploma was necessary for getting a good job a generation ago, higher education, such as a college degree or vocational training, is more important than ever in today’s global, knowledge-based economy. But inadequate preparation, skyrocketing tuition costs, and prohibitive college loan interest rates are preventing many students from accessing and succeeding in higher education.
Even though we continue to lead the world in technological innovation, we are losing ground because our educational system does not adequately prepare all of our children. The future success of our nation hinges on technology education. By engaging the IT community in developing and implementing innovative methods to improve postsecondary access and success, we can increase enrollment in science and technology, and in computing and engineering studies for women, minorities, and people with disabilities. We particularly need to make sure that women and minorities are represented in information technology by highlighting role models and providing mentorship opportunities. To open the doors of opportunity, we must also invest in college preparation and outreach programs in high schools for underrepresented student populations.
Cutting interest rates on subsidized student loans and halting deceptive marketing practices are essential for making college more accessible and affordable. To place college within everyone’s reach, we must provide relief to low- and moderate-income families from rising tuition costs through federal financial aid grant programs, such as the Pell Grant, now covering just a third of tuition at an average public college. In addition, we must reform federal tax credits for higher education to benefit the vast majority of low-income students, who currently cannot take advantage of them, by making them refundable as well as expanding them to offset costs other than tuition and fees (e.g., books, room and board, or transportation).
A college education is not only the best investment that students and their families can make for their success and prosperity, it is also the best investment our nation can make for America’s future.
