Salem, NH – Today, as a part of New Hampshire’s “I am Going to College Month,” Congresswoman Annie Kuster (NH-02) hosted a forum at Salem High School focused on initiatives to reduce the costs of higher education.  The forum brought together Salem High students, administrators and a panel of key stakeholders to discuss college affordability, including reducing the cost of college courses, postsecondary scholarship programs, and Pell Grants and Perkins Loans.

“Higher education should be affordable and accessible to every family in New Hampshire and across the country.  Today, I was thrilled to bring together such an array of wonderful statewide leaders and experts, as well as staff and students from Salem High School, for this important discussion,” said Congresswoman Kuster. “Together, we were able to learn about how we can continue to make access to postsecondary education and the completion of a higher degree realities for our Granite State students and their families.  We all know that education is about opportunity – the opportunity to have a good job and to provide for your family.  As completing higher education becomes increasingly essential for competing in today’s economy, I will bring the insights shared today back to Congress as I continue to advocate for affordable, quality higher education.”

At today’s forum, students spoke about their own experiences and aspirations, and expressed their thoughts and concerns about numerous proposals to expand access to higher education, such as the reauthorization of the Higher Education Act, the expansion of Pell Grants, and student loan refinancing.  Kuster was joined at the forum by Salem High School administrators and other higher education professionals, who also shared ideas and resources with the students in attendance.

Kuster has long fought to increase the accessibility and affordability of higher education for students throughout New Hampshire.  During the forum, Kuster heard from local students as well as statewide leaders in higher education about how Congress can best help Granite State families afford postsecondary education.  Kuster also outlined current steps she is taking in Congress to help parents save for their children’s education, including her support for the reauthorization of the Higher Education Act.

Kuster 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.  This coming Monday, Kuster will take part in the New Hampshire Kick-off to College Application Filing Week at Concord High School.

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