Jill Biden Promotes Community College Education

By: Prerana Swami
Topics: White House

(AP Photo/Haraz N. Ghanbari)

Echoing President Obama's push for an increase in college graduates, Dr. Jill Biden asked college-bound students to consider a community college education in an opinion piece for Forbes, saying it is "the single best path to opportunity for millions of Americans."

Biden says that community colleges not only offer a flexible schedule, but they also offer specialized training as well as paths to four-year universities.

"They are essential to our nation's higher education mission and uniquely able to address the needs of our communities," Biden writes. "Just as important, they provide an education to students who would not otherwise enroll in a four year college or university."

Additionally, she notes that community colleges are financially advantageous to those that cannot afford a four year education.

"In today's challenging economy, community colleges are an increasingly affordable way for students from middle-class families to complete the first two years of baccalaureate degree before moving on to a four-year university," she writes.

An English professor at Northern Virginia Community College, Biden says she doesn't have to look far to see the effects of community college.

"For years I have welcomed students to my classroom from many different educational, economic and cultural backgrounds, and seen how the community college system puts them on the same path of opportunity," Biden writes.

Saying she "couldn't think of a better investment," Biden commends Mr. Obama and her husband Vice President Joe Biden for their work in promoting community colleges.

"All Americans deserve an opportunity to receive the best education possible – not just through 12th grade, but all the way through college, too," she writes. "By supporting community colleges and by encouraging them to improve their graduation rates, the Obama-Biden administration is helping millions of Americans gain skills and confidence to lift the nation out of hard times."

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by pasmalltown August 6, 2009 9:09 PM EDT: Atta girl, Jill, "An English professor at Northern Virginia Community College" - working on job security issues. Nothin wrong with that.; Reply to this comment