01.27.2014
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Obama urges action on expanding college access
Credit: AFP/Getty Images
US President Barack Obama speaks during an event on expanding college opportunity in the South Court Auditorium of the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, next to the White House on January 16, 2014 in Washington, DC. AFP PHOTO/Mandel NGAN (Photo credit should read MANDEL NGAN/AFP/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Barack Obama says the U.S. still has a long way to go to open the door to college for low-income Americans.
Obama is convening an education summit at the White House. More than 100 college leaders are vowing to take steps to expand access to higher education.
Obama says more than ever before, a college degree is the surest path to a stable, middle-class life. He says as the economy improves, the U.S. must ensure that everyone has economic opportunities.
Obama says developing the talent of high-achieving students could have a "transformative effect."
First lady Michelle Obama says kids will notice if leaders don't hold up their end of the bargain. She says the nation can't encourage young people to pursue college, then provide no help when they do.
President Barack Obama is bringing university presidents from across the country together to exact commitments from each to expand access to higher education.
The president and first lady Michelle Obama were to greet leaders from more than 100 colleges and universities, plus 40 nonprofit and other groups, in a White House auditorium Thursday. The price of admission: a promise to voluntarily take action to help more low-income students attend college.
"When the president has a call to action on this area, it is because it is a critical measure for us being true to our values of economic mobility," said Gene Sperling, the director of the White House's National Economic Council.
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