[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 75 (Friday, May 15, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E723]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 THE INTRODUCTION OF THE BROADENING OPPORTUNITIES THROUGH EDUCATION ACT

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                         HON. DONNA F. EDWARDS

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, May 15, 2015

  Ms. EDWARDS. Mr. Speaker, education is the key to building a 
workforce prepared to meet the needs and challenges of the 21st century 
global economy. However, every year more than 1.2 million students drop 
out of high schools across the United States.
  Students who drop out of high school not only reduce their 
opportunity to learn, but also tend to earn less over the course of 
their life and are often less prepared to compete in the workforce. 
Adults who drop out of high school and do not receive their GED earn on 
average 41 percent less than their counterparts who completed high 
school.
  In addition, reducing the high school dropout rate could provide a 
significant boost to our economy. A study by researchers at Columbia 
University estimates that the net economic benefit per student 
graduating high school is approximately $127,000.
  Mr. Speaker, that is why today I reintroduced my Broadening 
Opportunities Through Education Act. This legislation provides 
additional resources to states that raise the age of compulsory school 
attendance through age 17. These resources are designed to ensure that 
students at risk of dropping out receive the support they need to reach 
their fullest potential. These funds would go towards establishing or 
expanding work-based programs that integrate academic and career-based 
skills through career and technical training and apprenticeships; 
implementing early warning systems to help high schools and middle 
schools to identify struggling students and implement evidence based 
interventions; and increasing support systems for students through 
activities such as student advising and one-to-one mentoring.
  As Congress continues to work on strategies to address our deficit 
and grow our 21st century economy, we cannot forget that our greatest 
asset is the knowledge base of our workforce. I encourage my colleagues 
to cosponsor the Broadening Opportunities Through Education Act and 
help me bring this program to fruition.

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