President Obama and the first lady met with dozens of higher-education leaders at the White House on Thursday to promote an array of new measures that colleges and others are taking to get more students from poor families into college.No word yet from the Obamas on when Harvard and gang are going to start paying their "fair share" to Uncle Sam to help reduce inequality.
Many of the nation’s schools are under financial strain because of mounting costs and stagnating enrollment. Ensuring that aid for needy students keeps pace with rising tuition — or expands — is a complex challenge. But there was consensus among the president, first lady Michelle Obama and the educators they convened: Little things matter — a lot. Giving students informed advice on college options. Letting them apply free of charge to multiple schools. Ensuring they fill out financial aid forms to get the grants they deserve. Keeping in touch through text messages.
“You all can take simple steps that can determine whether these kids give up and drop out, or step up and thrive,” the first lady told educators in an auditorium at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building.
Friday, January 17, 2014
Obamas praise dozens of new efforts to help needy students get into college
The Washington Post reports:
