[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 137 (Thursday, October 17, 2002)]
[Senate]
[Page S10710]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

      By Mr. DODD (for himself, Mr. Edwards, and Mr. DeWine):
  S. 3145. A bill to amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to 
establish a scholarship program to encourage and support students who 
have contributed substantial public services; to the Committee on 
Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
  Mr. DODD. Mr. President, I rise to introduce, along with Senators 
Edwards and DeWine, the Youth Service Scholarship Act. This Act would 
authorize the Secretary of Education to award college scholarships of 
up to $5,000 to students who perform at least 300 hours of community 
service in each of two years of high school and continuing scholarships 
to students who continue their service in college.
  I believe that education is the hub of the wheel of our democracy. 
There is no better way to address any and all of the challenges we face 
as a nation than by providing all of our children with the education 
they need and deserve. In the 21st Century, higher education is not a 
luxury, it is a necessity, and this Act would extend access to higher 
education to more low-income students who otherwise might have 
difficulty attending college.
  Naturally, education means reading and math and history and science, 
but it also means learning to be a citizen. It's not easy to be a good 
citizen, and this Act will encourage our young people to engage in 
community service and reward them for that, and in so doing, will help 
ensure that our next generation of leaders understands that being an 
American is not just a privilege, but a responsibility.
  We know that students who participate in community service and youth 
development are less likely to use drugs and alcohol and to misbehave 
in school, and are more likely to receive good grades and be interested 
in going to college. We also know that Federal resources can be an 
effective incentive to leverage broader community support.
  So, I urge my colleagues to join me, and Senators Edwards and DeWine, 
in supporting the Youth Service Scholarship Act so that we can achieve 
more of those and other positive outcomes.
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