Barack Obama

Now is the time to build a firmer, stronger foundation for growth that will not only withstand future economic storms, but one that helps us thrive and compete in a global economy.

Companies then hire the graduates, who show up on their first day with precisely the skills that you need, and that they need to succeed.

That spark, that passion. All those ambitions and aspirations expressed by these young people.

We're working to support our entrepreneurs.

We will not fill those jobs or keep those jobs on our shores without community colleges.

America does not play for second place, and we certainly don't play for ninth.

It's time to reform our community colleges so that they provide Americans of all ages a chance to learn the skills and knowledge necessary to compete for the jobs of the future.

That spark. That passion. All those ambitions and aspirations.

We cannot sustain high-tech, high-wage jobs here in America when our young people are lagging far behind competitors around the world.

The promise of an education is not just for any one student, but for our entire country.

Community colleges are uniquely positioned to raise the skill and knowledge base of our workforce.

And may our legacy to them be an America where they can fulfill every last bit of their promise, pursue every last one of their dreams, and become powerful, accomplished women like all of you.

Today, our nations and peoples are more interconnected than at any time in human history.

I also know that thanks to decades of struggle and sacrifice, many of the obstacles that my grandmother faced no longer exist.

I understand that in life everyone has a purpose and a plan, and every day, I see myself getting closer and closer to college, and one day, a career.

I know that if given the chance, she would have run that bank better than anybody.

That's why we're working to help entrepreneurs like Theresa with new tax cuts and more loans.

We want to make it easier to join students looking for jobs with businesses looking to hire.

The health and well-being of a child is one of our most challenging, yet important, responsibilities.

These dedicated individuals bring a wealth of experience and talent to their new roles and I am proud to have them serve in this administration.

We must take action for our children's and grandchildren's sake.

We would support two Afghanistan-related themes at the NATO Summit in Lisbon in November

Child care providers and schools also have an important part in strengthening health and physical education programs.

Today, our children face a new public health crisis we must address as a Nation, and we all have a role to play.

We would strive to conclude the U.S.-Afghan Strategic Partnership Declaration by year’s end