Christopher Shays: “I rise in support of H.R. 4012, which helps level the playing field for the students of D.C. by permanently expanding…”

“I rise in support of H.R. 4012, which helps level the playing field for the students of D.C. by permanently expanding opportunities for affordable higher education at colleges and universities across the nation. Too many children in our Nation's Capital are not getting the higher education they need and deserve, and this program gives many the opportunity to go to college. D.C. residents do not have access to a network of in-state universities like residents of States. The D.C. College Access Program provides D.C. high school graduates access to colleges and universities throughout the country at in-State tuition rates. The program has been a tremendous success since it was implemented in 1999. The number of D.C. high school graduates continuing on to college increased from 1,750 in 1998 to 2,230 in 2002. That's a 28 percent increase since the program was created. It also provides an incentive to families to stay in the District.”