Tag: Free College

College Promise Campaign Executive Vice President Addresses the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Forum in Cali, Colombia

[ad_1]

Press Release
–

updated: Sep 16, 2019

CALI, Colombia, September 16, 2019 (Newswire.com)
–
The College Promise Campaign took the stage last week at the UNESCO “International Forum on Inclusion and Equity in Education – Every Learner Matters,” organized in cooperation with the Ministry of National Education of Colombia and the Town Hall of Cali.

The Forum, designed to assist countries in increasing educational and inclusion outcomes, brought experts in education and government officials from around the world to share innovative ideas, policies and programs to advance inclusion and equity in education, and to achieve the Sustainable Development Goal 4, which calls “to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.”

Rosye Cloud, Executive Vice President of the College Promise Campaign, who was part of four experts’ panel from Latin America and the US, “Strengthening Educational Pathways for Inclusion and Equity,” addressed the evolution of the “free” college movement in the United States, in addition to rapidly changing demands of employers as artificial intelligence (AI) transforms the workforce. The momentum has increased over the years, largely due to strong support from governors seeking to bolster American economic competitiveness and prosperity.

During the panel, and in speaking about College Promise Campaign’s work since its launch, Cloud stated that “what began as a small idea, is getting ready to celebrate over 315 local programs and 25 statewide programs.” “This movement respects the unique value every student brings to our society. They are key to sustaining an innovation economy, ” Cloud added.

“The College Promise Campaign recognizes the importance of global cooperation and the benefits from leaders working together to advance equity and inclusion in higher education. The success of this movement in America is built on the bold collaboration of entities that have historically worked in silos. Many of the countries attending this forum have been implementing free public higher education for many years. We want to learn from each of you, and appreciate the opportunity to collaborate with UNESCO in advancing global education, inclusion and equality.”

For More Information: www.CollegePromise.org

Follow Us: on Facebook @CollegePromise and on Twitter and Instagram @College_Promise

MEDIA CONTACT:
Sascha Foertsch
sfoertsch@collegepromise.org
202-569-3000

[ad_2]

Source link

September 16, 2019
State Momentum Grows for Free College Movement

[ad_1]

Press Release
–

updated: Apr 24, 2019

WASHINGTON, April 24, 2019 (Newswire.com)
–
The College Promise Campaign, a nonprofit working to increase the number of quality College Promise programs, released a statewide program landscape during the Michigan College Promise Symposium at the Detroit Regional Chamber. In the fall of 2018, the campaign announced over 300 active College Promise programs across 44 states. Today, they released a status update on statewide programs engaged in the free college movement. The release highlights 24 states that have actively passed and taken steps to implement a statewide “Promise” program. These statewide programs reflect the bipartisan nature of a movement intended to both bolster the American talent pipeline and increase student success outcomes. “All across the nation, momentum has been building throughout states and localities to create opportunities which allow students to start and complete a college education without taking on mountains of student debt,” said Martha Kanter, Executive Director of the College Promise Campaign.

Today, the program highlights the gains made by governors in establishing statewide programs across the country. Over 60% of states currently have or are taking legislative steps to implement a statewide College Promise program.

“All across the nation, momentum has been building throughout states and localities to create opportunities which allow students to start and complete a college education without taking on mountains of student debt.”

Martha Kanter, Executive Director, College Promise Campaign

“States are taking action and funding Promise programs to increase economic competitiveness and close talent shortage gaps,” said Rosye Cloud, vice president of the College Promise Campaign. “Promise programs provide hope at a time when many Americans feel forgotten.”

Some College Promise programs use a hybrid mixture of local, state and federal funds; others use only local and/or state dollars; and still, others are solely privately funded. A variety of programs rely on public and private partnerships with help from corporations and philanthropy. Some are designed for a single campus or college district, while others are city-, county- or state-wide.

“Initial results show local and state Promise programs improve outcomes for students and their communities,” said Robyn Hiestand, Director of Research and Policy at the College Promise Campaign. “We are going to be working with local and state researchers and practitioners to improve research, analysis and policy tools to help inform the national dialogue on free college.”

The Promise movement has seen significant growth over the past several years, growing from 54 programs in 2015 to over 300 nationwide, with growth scaling to the state level. Research shows that Promise programs promote a college-going culture and help students not only access but succeed in college. While individual program models vary, each is guided by a few core principles. A College Promise is a commitment to fund a college education for every eligible student advancing on the path to earn a degree, certificate and/or credits that transfer to a four-year university. It’s a promise to prepare students for the 21st-century workforce and the pursuit of the American Dream without the burden of unmanageable college debt. It’s a promise to make the first two years of college – at a minimum – as universal, free, and accessible as public high school has been since the 20th century.

For more information: Download the Statewide Promise Status Update

Follow Us: on Facebook @CollegePromise; Twitter and Instagram @College_Promise

Donate to the College Promise Campaign

The College Promise Campaign is a nonpartisan, nonprofit higher education initiative that builds widespread support for funding quality college programs for all hardworking students. In the 21st century, a high school diploma is no longer enough to lead Americans to a good job and a decent quality of life. CPC is an initiative of Civic Nation, a 501(c)(3) organized exclusively for charitable and educational purposes.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Adam.Shapiro@ASPR.bz

202-427-3603

[ad_2]

Source link

April 24, 2019
Ameritech Financial: Two Texas Bills Propose Free College for Some Students

[ad_1]

Press Release
–

updated: Nov 21, 2018

ROHNERT PARK, Calif., November 21, 2018 (Newswire.com)
–
Ameritech Financial is closely monitoring developments in legislation proposed in Texas to help residents pay for higher education. Texas state Senator Judith Zaffirini has authored two bills. The first proposes to pay for community college tuition for students meeting certain conditions. The second, and much more ambitious, bill proposes to give Texans meeting certain conditions, whose annual household income is under $150,000, free tuition to universities. For years, states have squeezed funding for higher education, placing a heavy economic burden on students and families as they pursue higher education. Recently, though, states have noted the economic drag this places on their economies and have made efforts to reduce the strain of student loan debt on borrowers. Ameritech Financial, a document preparation company, helps borrowers overwhelmed by student loans apply for and maintain enrollment in federal programs, such as income-driven repayment plans (IDRs), that can possibly lower monthly payments.

“We carefully watch for developments in the student loan industry and are encouraged that states are attempting to build solutions for students and their families,” said Tom Knickerbocker, executive vice president. “We seek potential solutions for our clients, acting as a trusted advocate, assisting with the paperwork and navigating the sometimes overly complex processes required by loan servicers. Our goal is to assist our clients in gaining back some financial freedom by helping them apply for federal programs aimed to possibly lower their monthly payment based on income and family size.”

Programs like these can indeed lower costs which can have a dramatic effect on overall student loan debt.

Tom Knickerbocker, Executive Vice President of Ameritech Financial

Texas Senate Bill 33 calls for free tuition to community colleges for Texas residents. Students must have graduated from high school or received an equivalency certificate within the last 12 months. Further, students must be enrolled in an eligible associate degree program or certificate. These students must be enrolled at least part-time and apply for financial aid. Convicted felons and those convicted of certain drug crimes are ineligible. Additionally, students who already have a degree or more than 90 college credits are also ineligible. Students must maintain satisfactory progress and the stipend expires on the third anniversary of the initial disbursement.

The even more ambitious Texas Bill 32 gives residents free tuition to all low- and middle-income students to Texas universities if household income is below $150,000. The bill requires students to apply for financial aid, and the grant then covers any remaining tuition cost. The eligibility requirements are similar to Senate Bill 33, except the program allows students to participate if they have less than 135 credit hours. It also allows a longer period of time for completion, with the stipend ending at the fifth anniversary after the first disbursement.

“Programs like these can indeed lower costs which can have a dramatic effect on overall student loan debt,” said Knickerbocker. “We remain committed to helping individual clients find potential repayment solutions so they can get back to pursuing their dreams.”

About Ameritech Financial

Ameritech Financial is a private company located in Rohnert Park, California. Ameritech Financial has already helped thousands of consumers with financial analysis and student loan document preparation to apply for federal student loan repayment programs offered through the Department of Education.

Each Ameritech Financial telephone representative has received the Certified Student Loan Professional certification through the International Association of Professional Debt Arbitrators (IAPDA).

Ameritech Financial prides itself on its exceptional customer service.

Ameritech Financial Newsroom

Contact

To learn more about Ameritech Financial, please contact:

Ameritech Financial
5789 State Farm Drive #265
Rohnert Park, CA 94928
1-800-792-8621
media@ameritechfinancial.com

Source: Ameritech Financial

[ad_2]

Source link

November 21, 2018