Improving Higher Education
California has a great tradition of excellence when it comes to higher education. According to a recent study by an economist with the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, we are home to six of the world’s top 20 universities, including the Foothills’ California Institute of Technology. But with our dynamic, highly competitive economy, we cannot afford to become complacent. We cannot assume that today’s education system ensures tomorrow’s success.
High school students must be prepared for college, and college graduates must be prepared for the rigors of our 21st Century economy. It is critical for teachers to provide the educational foundation our students need. And we must ensure that our institutions of higher learning continue to be hotbeds of research where new ideas are tested, new methods are discovered, and new technologies are developed.
On March 30, Congress passed, H.R. 609, the College Access and Opportunity Act. The bill enhances higher education access for students of all ages and all means by expanding Pell Grant programs. It also supports critical teacher training programs.
An amendment to H.R. 609, which I co-authored, was also approved by the House. This amendment focuses on increasing the number and quality of graduates in science, technology, engineering and math, or STEM, fields. We simply can’t wait until kids are college freshman to begin attracting them to STEM programs. Time and again, we have heard from professors and employers that students must develop this education foundation at an early age. Without a solid background, students simply do not possess the educational skills – or the interest – in high-tech fields.
By encouraging education in the STEM fields before college and by opening more doors to higher education, Congress is giving our students every chance to excel. And we’re committed to doing more. Whether it’s pushing for more school choice, more teacher training or more challenging curriculum, we will make sure our schools make the grade.
Congress will support education like our future depends on it – because it certainly does. Providing our next generation with the skills to succeed and the confidence to dream are the keys to staying competitive as a state and a country.
