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Explore exciting new educational opportunities for people like you who wish to invest in themselves, gain confidence, acquire new employment skills, improve your testing skills, locate college scholarships, increase your income potential and achieve a more comfortable life.Read more on the blog at MerchantCircle.com

Below is a portion of the transcript as delivered of President Obama's speech to a joint session of Congress on Feb. 24, 2009, as released by the White House and reported on
(CBS) http://www.cbsnews.com/stories
/2009/02/24/politics/main4826494.shtml

The third challenge we must address is the urgent need to expand the promise of education in America.

In a global economy where the most valuable skill you can sell is your knowledge, a good education is no longer just a pathway to opportunity -- it is a prerequisite.

Right now, three-quarters of the fastest-growing occupations require more than a high school diploma. And yet, just over half of our citizens have that level of education. We have one of the highest high school dropout rates of any industrialized nation. And half of the students who begin college never finish.

This is a prescription for economic decline, because we know the countries that out-teach us today will out-compete us tomorrow. That is why it will be the goal of this administration to ensure that every child has access to a complete and competitive education -- from the day they are born to the day they begin a career. (Applause.) That is a promise we have to make to the children of America. (Applause.)

Already, we've made an historic investment in education through the economic recovery plan. We've dramatically expanded early childhood education and will continue to improve its quality, because we know that the most formative learning comes in those first years of life. We've made college affordable for nearly seven million more students -- seven million. (Applause.) And we have provided the resources necessary to prevent painful cuts and teacher layoffs that would set back our children's progress.

But we know that our schools don't just need more resources. They need more reform. (Applause.) That is why this budget creates new teachers -- new incentives for teacher performance; pathways for advancement, and rewards for success. We'll invest in innovative programs that are already helping schools meet high standards and close achievement gaps. And we will expand our commitment to charter schools. (Applause.)

It is our responsibility as lawmakers and as educators to make this system work. But it is the responsibility of every citizen to participate in it. So tonight, I ask every American to commit to at least one year or more of higher education or career training. This can be community college or a four-year school; vocational training or an apprenticeship. But whatever the training may be, every American will need to get more than a high school diploma. And dropping out of high school is no longer an option. It's not just quitting on yourself, it's quitting on your country -- and this country needs and values the talents of every American. (Applause.) That's why we will support -- we will provide the support necessary for all young Americans to complete college and meet a new goal: By 2020, America will once again have the highest proportion of college graduates in the world. That's is a goal we can meet. (Applause.) That's a goal we can meet.

Now, I know that the price of tuition is higher than ever, which is why if you are willing to volunteer in your neighborhood or give back to your community or serve your country, we will make sure that you can afford a higher education. (Applause.) And to encourage a renewed spirit of national service for this and future generations, I ask Congress to send me the bipartisan legislation that bears the name of Senator Orrin Hatch, as well as an American who has never stopped asking what he can do for his country -- Senator Edward Kennedy. (Applause.)

These education policies will open the doors of opportunity for our children. But it is up to us to ensure they walk through them. In the end, there is no program or policy that can substitute for a parent -- for a mother or father who will attend those parent/teacher conferences, or help with homework, or turn off the TV, put away the video games, read to their child. (Applause.) I speak to you not just as a President, but as a father, when I say that responsibility for our children's education must begin at home. That is not a Democratic issue or a Republican issue. That's an American issue. (Applause.)

Free Skills Training & Resources:
The Skills Training & Employment Project (STEP), funded by a U.S. Department of Labor grant, has expanded the library’s educational resources to better serve the people of Brooklyn, N.Y. Get guidance, training, resources, and partners by registering on line. Find more free resources at blog.bestcollegeresources.com

Free Guide to Help You Save For College:
One of the biggest drawbacks to completing a college education is the lack of funds. The Federal Information Center will send you a free guide which provides information and resources to help you save and invest wisely for college.  The guide explains 529 plans, Coverdell Education Savings Accounts, Savings Bonds, and more.www.pueblo.gsa.gov. Look for the 2007 SEC item # 511R. Read more on the blog at MerchantCircle.com

Free Career Services:
you can receive free career services at the State University of New York Brooklyn Educational Opportunity Center. They assist you with resume preparation cover letter writing and they have job search resources i.e., computers, fax machines, etc, etc. Job placement assistance and career counseling is all provided free of charge.  You are invited to attend one of the next information sessions to learn more about their services. Get more info at blog.bestcollegeresources.com

 Increase the odds that you’ll get a discount on your college tuition: 

Look for no-loan schools

If your family qualifies for need-based aid, check out schools that give out more need-based grants-which don’t have to be repaid. Find a list of schools with favorable financial-aid policies at the web site of the Project on Student Debt. Read more on the blog at MerchantCircle.com

Guide to Planning, Research, and Writing:
At the outset of your project, it is well to identify potential sources of help and to recognize the advantages and limitations of each. Those sources of most value are usually academic advisors, fellow graduate students, experts outside of your own department or institution, you yourself, and the professional literature. Read more on the blog at MerchantCircle.com

Cancellation of 15% of Your Perkins Loans:
If you are a recent college graduate you may be eligible for special assistance repaying student loans. Graduates who volunteer with the Peace Corps are eligible for student- loan deferments plus cancellation of 15% of Perkins loans for each year of service.  Find more resources on the blog at MerchantCircle.com

Senator  José m Serrano Supports Higher Education:
in a recent newsletter from the office of senator José m Serrano included a quote the Senator made at the education forum, which took place at the Patterson Community Center in Mott Haven.  The quote was in support of higher education. He said “Here’s the message I want you to take home tonight,” said the Senator.” For every child in the Bronx who wants to attend college, there is not a reason in the world she should not go. Not money, not time, not the neighborhood where you grow up.”

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