Michelle Obama announces new education push
Michelle Obama is continuing her push to get every young person to pursue some form of higher education. At the White House Monday, the First Lady is expected to launch a new public awareness campaign geared toward students aged 14 to 19.
A new website, bettermakeroom.org, will let young people post their goals and share pictures, and will point students to resources to help them research and apply to colleges.
“When we define postsecondary success, we do mean a two-year degree, a four-year degree, community college, an industry-recognized certificate or credential,” said Eric Waldo, executive director of the first lady’s Reach Higher initiative. “It’s some education past high school.”
Carrie Warick, with the National College Access Network, has seen how students respond to Michelle Obama, who was a first-generation college student herself.
“Having the first lady, specifically as a woman of color, for our students of color, championing an issue that’s so important to them really does have an intangible impact,” she said.
More minority and low-income students are furthering their education after high school, Warick said, but there is still a sizable college access gap.
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