Obama’s Promising Plans for Students



President Obama delivers his State of the Union
to a joint session of Congress.
(Courtesy of Reuters)

          On Tuesday night, January 24th, 2012, President Obama addressed the nation by giving his State of the Union address.  He covered many things from American manufacturing and energy production, to the deficit and the need for politicians in Washington to set aside their differences and get to work.  In the midst of his address, Obama hit on some key points regarding higher education and continuing studies.  At this point, the ears of college students across the country perked up to listen a little more carefully.  In case you missed out on Obama’s speech, there are a few hopeful concepts for Avila students to be aware of.

         Obama stressed restricting the interest rate on student loans from doubling in July, as well as urging colleges and universities to keep tuition rates down.  Among the highlights, the fact that Obama hopes to double the number of work-study jobs across campuses in the nation in the next five years was also mentioned.  Here at Avila, there is work-study that pays $8.00 an hour and another more advanced program that offers $10.00 an hour.  Both work-study programs top out at earning $700 per semester.  Unfortunately, many students have been turned down from these programs.  The simple fact is that the university does not have enough jobs or funding to fit the multitude of students seeking work-study positions.  For Obama to increase the availability of jobs would mean for twice as many Avila students to have an additional $700 income to use for the ever-rising costs of books, tuition, or room and board expenses.  What’s not to love about extra income?  Obama is working to make this possibility a reality.

An Avila University work-study student in action.
(Courtesy of Avila.edu)