Press Releases
Kuster Discusses Importance of Increasing College Affordability during Forum at Alvirne High School
Hudson, NH,
March 7, 2016
Hudson, NH – Today, Congresswoman Annie Kuster (NH-02) hosted a forum at Alvirne High School with students, administrators, and community members to discuss the importance of increasing college affordability. During the forum, students and parents engaged with a panel of key stakeholders, who shared initiatives aimed at increasing access and reducing the costs of postsecondary education. “For the Granite State to continue to succeed in the 21st century and beyond, we must ensure that our students have access to quality education and training,” said Congresswoman Kuster. “Moreover higher education must be made more affordable for middle-class families. Today was a valuable opportunity to hear directly from the students about their experiences, as well as to discuss how we can make higher education accessible through college savings programs and reasonable loan opportunities. I thank our leaders in postsecondary education and Alvirne High School students for joining today’s important conversation. Education is one of the single most critical investments we can make in our children’s lives, and I remain committed to supporting legislation and initiatives in Congress that will help put higher education within reach for every Granite State student and family.” At today’s forum, students spoke about their own higher education aspirations, as well as their thoughts and concerns regarding college affordability. Kuster was joined at the forum by Alvirne High School students and administrators, Granite State College President Mark Rubinstein, representatives from Nashua Community College, Rivier University, and the New Hampshire Higher Education Assistance Foundation, among others. During the discussion, panelists discussed local initiatives to support college affordability through financial aid awareness and planning services, increased academic preparation and college readiness efforts at the secondary school level, dual admissions with the state’s public two- and four-year institutions, as well as career and technical training options. Kuster also outlined steps she is taking in Congress to help students access postsecondary degrees, including her support for the Every Student Succeeds Act, which rectifies many of the flawed provisions implemented under the No Child Left Behind Act. Kuster has long fought to increase the accessibility and affordability of higher education for students throughout New Hampshire. She routinely holds roundtables and forums across the state to hear directly from Granite State students about how she can best support their success in Congress, and she will continue to meet with other students at schools across the Second District. ### |