President Obama’s 2017 Budget for Education
The Obama Administration just released the fiscal year 2017 budget and it’s calling for $69.4 billion for educational excellence, a $1.3 billion increase from the 2016 budget. According to the U.S. Department of Education, the 2017 budget will allow further actions that will build on previous objectives, as well as, establish new ones. Acting Education Secretary John B. King Jr. states, “We have made tremendous progress with record high school graduation rates and more students of color going to college, but we have further to go to ensure that educational excellence is a reality for all students. This budget builds on the Administration’s continued efforts to invest in education, from high-quality early learning through college.”
“The Nation does best when everyone shares in—and contributes to—our success. Failing to tap the potential of every American weakens the economy and harms us all.” – FY 2017 Budget
A major focus of the 2017 budget is increasing educational opportunities, as well as, making them equally accessible by all students. A key investment in this area includes a $450 million boost to Title I Grants, a $15.4 billion total expenditure, for school districts to improve academic achievement, particularly for disadvantaged students, and ensure that all students graduate high school. Another notable investment focuses on high-quality early learning and the development of preschool programs. Particularly, the budget would provide funding for mandatory, high-quality preschool programs for all 4-year olds through the President’s Preschool for All. Another program worth mentioning is the Stronger Together Grants Program, an ambitious program that seeks to increase diversity by integrating students of all socioeconomic statuses into the same learning environment.
The 2017 budget will also seek to increase support for teachers and student leaders and promote college affordability and completion. Some initiatives in these areas includes a $1 billion investment to attract and retain teachers working in high-needs school, where funding will include increased compensation and opportunities for teacher advancement. Another is America’s College Promise, an initiative that will work in partnership with states to make community college free for the first two years for responsible students. Other notable investments are increased funds for Pell Grants, including year round availability for low-income students and an additional $300 for students taking at least 15 credits a semester.
President Obama’s 2017 Budget for Education
The 2017 budget for education is an ambitious financial plan to equip our youth with the necessary knowledge and skills to succeed as adults, and it intends on doing on meeting that challenge by increasing educational opportunities for all students, from early learners to college goers. To learn about additional investments in education, the US Department of Education has released a 2017 budget fact sheet.