Story by Rashad Drakeford
President Barack Obama put students and social media in a frenzy last night (January 8) when the White House announced a proposal that would make the first two years of community college free. According to the White House, by 2020, an estimated 35 percent of job openings will require at least a bachelor’s degree and 30 percent will require some college or an associate’s degree. President Obama believes this plan will help America meet that need.
Here are some of the key points of the plan:
- To be eligible, students of any age must have a C+ average (2.5 GPA) and attend school at least half-time.
- The plan will benefit approximately 9 million students per year.
- This proposal could save a full-time community college student an average of $3,800 in tuition per year.
- Community colleges will be expected to offer programs that are either A) academic programs that fully transfer credits to local public four-year colleges and university’s or B) occupational training programs with high graduation rates and lead to in-demand degrees and certificates.
- Federal government will cover three-quarters of the average cost of community college and participating states will be expected to contribute the remaining funds necessary to eliminate the tuition for eligible students.
The president, alongside Vice President Joe Biden will formally announce his “America’s College Promise” today during a visit at Pellissippi State Community College in Knoxville, Tennessee and expound upon it more during his State of the Union address later this month.