Statement from Gaston Caperton, President of the College Board, on President Obama’s Speech Today to College Students

NEW YORK – “The College Board applauds President Obama’s focus on college completion and its impact on America’s economic strength.  Education has always been the engine that drives our economy, which is why it is so critical to address America’s growing education deficit – a deficit that is no less a threat to our nation’s long-term well-being than the current fiscal crisis. At the precise time that the importance of a college degree is increasing, the ability of the United States to compete in a global economy is decreasing.  In the 21st century’s global economy, it is not just education but postsecondary education that is required to compete and succeed.” – Gaston Caperton    

Please see the College Board’s The College Completion Agenda 2010 Progress Report at http://completionagenda.collegeboard.org/    for a comprehensive look at the progress of the nation and each of the 50 states toward college completion. TheProgress Report points to areas of progress in states, yet formidable challenges remain at every level of the system for students who aspire to enroll and succeed in college.

The College Board

The College Board is a not-for-profit membership association whose mission is to connect students to college success and opportunity. Founded in 1900, the College Board is composed of more than 5,700 schools, colleges, universities and other educational organizations. Each year, the College Board serves seven million students and their parents, 23,000 high schools, and 3,800 colleges through major programs and services in college readiness, college admission, guidance, assessment, financial aid and enrollment. Among its widely recognized programs are the SAT^®, the PSAT/NMSQT^®, the Advanced Placement Program^® (AP^®), SpringBoard and ACCUPLACER. The College Board is committed to the principles of excellence and equity, and that commitment is embodied in all of its programs, services, activities and concerns.

CONTACT:

Communications            The College Board           212-713-8052              communications@collegeboard.org