Tonight President Obama will give the State of the Union Address. Education, especially higher education should be part of his speech tonight. As Kentuckians education is a very important subject for us, not only is it a tool for knowledge but it has been a key tool out of poverty and reaching not only state goals but personal ones as well. Many of our state legislative policies, our state budget and local education budgets could be affected by what the President says tonight.
As students and parents getting ready for college there are a lot of things that are related between the college admissions process and the federal government.
Frist, the federal government oversees Pell Grants and Student Loans. So you might have some questions about the future of those programs…especially if you will depend on them to pay for college.
Will any federal changes affect state government education budgets? As you know, college tuition has been rising. This year Kentucky’s Governor will not be funding any capital projects for Kentucky colleges. The colleges will have to get money for capital project from somewhere. Another issue to consider here, is that Pikeville College has asked to become a state regional college. So the state eduation budget is tight. Will there be federal changes to higher education?
What about the Trio and Gear Up program funding? These programs really help our low income and first generation students learn about financial aid, prepare for, get ready for college and apply to college. These programs span from Eastern Kentucky to Western Kentucky and reach out to 6th grade students through high school, returning adults, and even veterans. Increasing funding for these programs could be beneficial in helping Kentucky reaching future sustainability goals.
What kind of questions would you ask President Obama tonight if you could? Please put questions in the comments below….
Comments