Students have been helped by Senator Kennedy
As we head into the weekend, many Americans are taking time to think about the passing of Senator Ted Kennedy. Although ridiculed through comedy and commentary, Kennedy created both good and not so good bills that forever influenced our country.
I never voted for Senator Kennedy. In fact, I spent many nights scratching my head trying to figure out what he was doing. There were so many bills he authored, it was almost impossible to keep everything straight.
What ever my take on him might be, there is one thing that I will be forever thankful for. That is his Higher Education work done between the 1970's and 1990's.
Although Senator Kennedy is better known for his efforts toward elementary schools, he did have some shining moments as he helped many students get into better universities. Why is this such a big deal to me?
It's because his education bills helped my wife get into a great university all thanks to the Pell Grants available at the time. She was also helped with the redefinition of the Title IX Act, as well as, found some financial help when he spearheaded the Direct Lending Program, which in fact has helped many students get their college lives started.
In fact, my wife was able to make the most of these opportunities, and has since earned a PhD, and is now working for a Division I university. She is currently helping other students make their college and career dreams come true.
This is a direct quote from Senator Kennedy's website:
Working with Senator Claiborne Pell during the 1972 reauthorization, Senator Kennedy
supported the creation of the Basic Educational Opportunity Grant. This program, which later
became known as the Pell Grant in 1980, drastically increased the availability of grant aid to
disadvantaged students. Senator Kennedy was also a key supporter of Title IX of the Education
Amendments of 1972, which protected women from discrimination in educational institutions and
increased athletic opportunities for women in colleges and universities. President Richard Nixon
signed this bill into law on June 23, 1972.
Senator Kennedy was also a key player in the Congressional effort to establish the Direct
Lending program, which was enacted as part of the Budget Reconciliation Act of 1993. To date
more than 12 million students have benefited from low cost direct federal loans to pay for college."
I hope many of my readers take a moment to thank Senator Kennedy for his legislative work done that has now positively helped many American students. I am certain that many of you have benefited from some of the bills he helped to pass. The personal commentary found in this article does not reflect any political standings. It is simply to give you a quick snap shot of a man who tried to make the higher education system a little bit better.
Comments