Political Quotes

“Madam President, I rise today to introduce the Success for Rural Students and Communities Act. This bipartisan bill would help students living in rural areas achieve their higher education goals and connect them with the economic opportunities in their communities. I want to thank Senator Hassan for coleading this legislation with me. Today, employers often require something more than a high school diploma, such as a college degree, a skilled trade credential, or a professional certificate. Yet, rural students may face barriers to pursuing postsecondary education. Although rural students tend to graduate from high school at about the same rate as their suburban peers, they go on to enroll in college at a lower rate. Rural students also tend to have lower full-time retention rates in postsecondary education than their urban and suburban peers. Maine's experience is consistent with these national trends. According to census data, two out of three Maine schools are in rural communities, and more than half of Maine students attend those schools. More than 86 percent of Maine students graduate from high school, but only about 60 percent enroll in higher education right away. Unfortunately, an even lower percentage of Maine students go on to actually earn a degree, often leaving them with debt and without the credential.…”