Bill Clinton: “all students, regardless of where they live, need appropriate tools to compete in today's global economy. Today, I am…”

“all students, regardless of where they live, need appropriate tools to compete in today's global economy. Today, I am pleased to introduce legislation that will ensure students in rural areas are equipped with the resources they need. If approved, the Rural Students College, Career, and Community Readiness Act of 2007 would improve the educational and career outcomes and build the leadership skills of students in rural communities. I am pleased to be working my colleague, Senator Specter, on this important and timely legislation. Roughly one in four public schools is located in rural America, accounting for 14.5 percent of total public school enrollment. Unfortunately, studies have shown students attending these rural schools generally have lower educational aspirations than their urban and suburban peers. In addition, roughly half of rural high school students live and attend schools in counties that do not have colleges. These facts are daunting and present a major hurdle in improving education for students in rural communities. However, if our country is to successfully compete for jobs in the marketplace of the 21st century, we must ensure all students have access to an excellent education.”