James M. Jeffords: “Education is a social process . . . Education is growth . . . . Education is, not a preparation for life; education is…”

“Education is a social process . . . Education is growth . . . . Education is, not a preparation for life; education is life itself. John Dewey, a distinguished Vermonter, philosopher and educator wrote these words decades ago, yet they ring true today. Education provides us with opportunities to explore, to experience, to grow, and to improve. Education is a great equalizer--it affords these positive opportunities to anyone who is able and interested in pursuing knowledge. Yet often times, young people in our country are discouraged from engaging themselves in learning because of financial hardship. It is with these thoughts in mind that I rise today to submit this Senate Concurrent Resolution--a resolution that calls on the Congress and the President to increase funding for the Pell grant program and for campus based student aid programs--programs that provide assistance to individuals with financial need to participate in higher education.”