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Obama Unveils Free Community College Program

CBN

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A new initiative by President Barack Obama would give students, "who are willing to work for it" access to two years of free community college.

White House officials say if all 50 states choose to implement the changes it would benefit roughly 9 million students annually, saving a full-time community college student $3,800 in tuition each year.

Students would be required to maintain a 2.5 grade average, and “make steady progress toward completing their program."

Community colleges would be expected to offer academic programs where credits fully transfer to local four-year colleges and universities or occupational training programs with high graduation rates leading to in-demand degrees and certificates.

Federal funding would cover three-quarters of the average cost of community college; states would be expected to contribute the remaining funds necessary to eliminate the tuition for eligible students.

The president made the announcement in a video posted to Facebook, Thursday.

"I think everyone understands it [education] is the key to success for our kids in the 21st century," he said from Air Force One. He was heading to Tennessee to discuss education initiatives.

"We also understand is that it's not just for kids, we also have to make sure everyone has the opportunity to constantly train themselves for better jobs better wages better benefits," he added.

Last year, Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam signed a scholarship program into law that provides free community and technical college tuition for two years to the state's high school graduates. About 58,000 of the state's roughly 62,000 seniors have applied to participate this fall.

The president called the video announcement a "preview of the State of the Union," which is two weeks away.

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