Education
Working for Accessibility to a Quality Education for All
Congressman Edwards believes education should primarily be a state and local responsibility, but the federal government must play an important supporting role, including providing states and local school districts the funding to achieve high standards of learning. Chet is also a strong supporter of Title I programs, including rural education funding, reading programs and Advanced Placement programs. He believes in character education and before and after school programs that enhance a student’s potential. Congressman Edwards is a strong supporter of the GEAR UP program, for which he has secured federal funding in McLennan, Bosque, and Hill counties. He fervently believes that the college preparatory instruction, mentoring, counseling, outreach, and support services this program provides go a long way toward helping our most at-risk students stay in school while encouraging them to attend college. GEAR UP has provided outstanding academic enrichment and reinforcement to Central Texas students to help prepare them for college. This year, Congress passed the Higher Education Reauthorization Act with Chet’s support. It improved rates and access to student financial assistance such as Pell grants, college work-study, and federally-insured loans, so that every hard-working student has an opportunity to attend college, regardless of his or her financial situation. With 7 colleges and universities in District 17, Chet has taken a stand against cuts to student financial aid and other vital education programs. Chet supported a budget for fiscal year 2009 that provides billions more than the President’s request for education programs. Chet has supported Supporting university programs for Texas A&M University, Baylor University, Texas State Technical College, Blinn College, Hill College and McLennan Community College. Congressman Edwards’ top priorities for improving education include:
Improving student financial assistance such as Pell grants, college work-study and federally-insured student loans, so that every hard-working student has an opportunity to go to college Improving student financial assistance such as Pell grants, college work-study and federally-insured student loans, so that every hard-working student has an opportunity to go to college Fully funding the No Child Left Behind Act, so that local school districts have the resources to meet high standards and help alleviate the heavy property tax burden on Texas homeowners Increasing funding for Head Start so that children can begin elementary school with basic skills Supporting Title I programs, which include rural education funding, reading programs and Advanced Placement programs Supporting character education and after school programs that enhance a student’s potential Leading the fight to protect Texas teachers’ rights to collect Social Security benefits and co-sponsored legislation that would fix this unfair provision in federal law. Listed below are helpful financial aid links for students. Information for Students Federal Student Aid FAFSA Online Full List of Grants and Other Funding Resources Student Job Opportunities Scholarship Scams
College and Financial Aid Information Federal Resources U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION The U.S. Department of Education has a wealth of information that can help both students and graduates. Please click on the link above to visit their website. FUNDING YOUR EDUCATION An introductory publication for students not yet enrolled in a postsecondary school, provides general information about the U.S. Department of Education's federal student financial aid programs and how to apply for them. STUDENTS.GOV Portal site marking a cooperative effort between federal agencies, students, and other parts of the higher education community, under the leadership of the U.S. Department of Education. TAX INFORMATION FOR STUDENTS Find out what is available and how to qualify for federal tax relief. INFORMATION ON SCHOLARSHIPS SCAMS The warning signs, where you can get help, and other useful information provided by the Federal Trade Commission. NATIONAL STUDENT LOAN DATA SYSTEM Look up and find out the status of your student loan and PELL grant. PAYING BACK YOUR FEDERAL STUDENT LOAN How to determine if you are eligible for a loan deferment or cancellation. OFSA OMBUDSMAN For Information on the Resolution of Federal Student Loan Disputes. CAREER INFORMATION U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics - Connect to the Occupational Outlook Handbook to find career information. The Handbook describes what workers do on the job, working conditions, the training and education needed, earnings, and expected job prospects for a wide range of occupations. STUDENT VISAS U.S. Department of Justice - Find out how you can apply for a visa to study in the United States.
Additional Resources THE COLLEGE BOARD Includes information on College Board tests, applying for college online, and paying for college. FINAID This award-winning site has grown into one of the most comprehensive annotated collections of information about student financial aid on the web. FINAID! FINANCIAL AID CALCULATORS Calculators to help you project college costs, budget your savings, and estimate your financial need. FASTWEB Free on-line search service for grants, loans, and scholarships. Any thoughts? Comments? Questions? Let us know what you think. If you would like to receive periodic e-mail alerts on education, please sign up for our e-mail newsletter.
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