Democrats recognize education as the most pressing economic issue for America’s future, and we believe we cannot allow our country to fall behind in a global economy. We must prepare the next generation for success in college and the workforce.  Our country is strongest when our workers are trained with the knowledge and abilities to perform at the highest levels. Every child should have the opportunity to reach that horizon and to fulfill the American Dream.

Democrats want every child – no matter their zip code – to have access to a quality public K-12 education, and for college to be affordable for every American. We know that as the global marketplace grows more competitive, we need to expand opportunities for higher education and job training. Democrats are committed to increasing the college-completion rate as well as the share of students who are prepared for budding industries with specific job-related skills. In recent years Democrats have further increased access to higher education and restructured and dramatically expanded college financial aid, while making federal programs simpler, more reliable, and more efficient for students. Democrats are committed to protecting the progress made, because affordable public education is the foundation of our middle class.