Miami Dade College

On April 29th, at 7:00 p.m., the president will speak to the graduation class of Miami Dade College. Miami Dade College is considered to be one of the largest and most diverse campuses in the country. It currently has over 170,000 students enrolled in one of the eight campuses and online around the world. It boasts associate’s and bachelor’s degrees in technology and community services (among others). Miami Dade College has a new arts program that is already winning great reviews. It was founded in the 1960s with the ideal that everyone is entitled to a higher education. When first opened, it operated out of a converted chicken factor, thus earning it the nickname, “chicken coop college.” It was the first entirely integrated college in the state of Florida. By 1970, it had grown into the largest college in the state of Florida, with a 66% minority enrollment. Throughout the following decades, Miami Dade grew into a college offering over 50 degree programs, a technology department, and a fine arts department.

U.S. Coast Guard Academy

The president will then speak to the graduating class of the U.S. Coast Guard Academy on May 18th at 11:00 a.m. The Coast Guard Academy is one of the smallest of the federal institutions. This military academy puts emphasis on leadership, physical fitness and honor. Graduates immediately enter into service in the Coast Guard either on land or at sea. The Coast Guard was originally known as the Revenue Marine. Formed by Alexander Hamilton, the Revenue Marine had at its’ purpose the collecting of tariffs, expecting ships, and safeguarding U.S. shores. The academy had its’ roots in 1876, when nine cadets took classes abroad a schooner ship. The first land school was established in 1890.

To learn more about Miami Dade College, go here www.mdc.edu

To learn more about the Coast Guard Academy, go here www.cga.edu

Arne Duncan, Education Secretary announced the changes last Wednesday.  They are trying new avenues, in order to boost college enrollment among low and middle income students.  Duncan said "We need to educate our way to a better economy."  The new form will make the process easier for students and families applying for federal financial aid.

Due to the economic downturn, many students and their families are seeking financial aid.  After the recession the number of applications increased 12 percent to more than 16 million.  In 2007, 58 percent of college undergraduates applied for aid, and 47 percent received it.

Due to the high demand and the fact President Obama wants more people applying; the administration is trying to shorten the online Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).  There will be two-thirds fewer screens to fill out.  There will also be a Web application where families can access their tax data already sent to the IRS. 

This tax information will help families answer the questions on the form.  Paperwork shouldn't stand between students and a college degree.  The administration has a goal set and that is to increase the Pell Grants for low-income students by 75 percent over the next ten years.

There is money out there for education and it just got easier.  Because of the stimulus, over $17 billion has been designated for Pell Grants.  The Federal Perkins Loan Program will also increase to $6 billion in loans every year over the next decade.  There has never been a better time to get an education so sign up today and improve your life.