Pulaski Times

U.S. Senators John Boozman from Arkansas and Gary Peters from Michigan have introduced the Making Education Affordable and Accessible Act (MEAA), a bipartisan initiative. The bill aims to enhance access to higher education and alleviate student debt. It seeks to expand the usage of federal grants to support dual enrollment, concurrent enrollment, and early college high school programs.

Senator Boozman stated, “Providing more pathways for students to pursue higher education or technical skills and experience is crucial to their success and benefits our economy.” He expressed pride in working in a bipartisan manner to increase access to educational programs that prepare Americans for successful careers.

Senator Peters emphasized the importance of meeting current workforce demands by providing students with early training opportunities. “This bipartisan bill would give high school students the chance to start working towards a college degree and building their future without the financial burden of a student loan,” Peters noted.

The MEAA Act proposes specific uses for the funding from the Higher Education Act Title VII Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education (FIPSE). The legislation would allow colleges and universities to enhance early college access programs. It includes implementing dual or concurrent enrollment programs, providing professional development to educators, and covering education-related costs for students.

The legislation, supported by the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) and the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE), aims to strengthen connections between secondary and postsecondary education. NASSP CEO Ronn Nozoe commented, “This critical legislation tackles the financial obstacles confronting future teachers, making certification attainable.”

LeAnn Curry, ACTE Director, expressed gratitude for the senators' efforts, remarking that the bill expands opportunities for early college high schools and increases access to postsecondary credit. “ACTE is proud to endorse the bill, and we are grateful to Senators Gary Peters and John Boozman for introducing the legislation,” Curry stated.

The bill highlights that dual enrollment programs allow students to earn credits from both high schools and colleges. Concurrent enrollment enables students to take college-credit courses taught by certified high school teachers. Early college high schools allow students to work toward an associate’s degree while completing their high school diploma.