“These are wide-ranging, bold proposals. They portend a revolution in the financing of higher education that would bolster opportunity and provide millions of low- and middle-income Americans the chance to pursue a higher education at two- and four-year colleges and universities.
The best way to vaccinate more Americans against long-term unemployment and economic instability is to find ways to expand access to postsecondary education and training to all those who have the talent and drive to benefit from it. President Biden’s plans for free community college, a substantial boost to the Pell Grant program, and increased support for minority serving institutions would move us a long way in that direction.
The president’s proposals are a rough outline of what he hopes to accomplish. They are consistent with his campaign blueprint and tackle hard, complex issues that merit careful consideration and bipartisan support. Much work remains to be done to turn these ideas into operational programs. But the administration’s clearly articulated goals are a vital first step. We look forward to working with the Biden administration and Congress as this discussion proceeds. We must seize this opportunity.”