[Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: WILLIAM J. CLINTON (2000-2001, Book III)]
[December 6, 2000]
[Page 2620]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]



[[Page 2620]]


Statement on the Pathways to College Network
December 6, 2000

    I applaud today's announcement of the Pathways to College Network, 
an important partnership that will complement our GEAR UP and TRIO 
initiatives by helping to put disadvantaged students on track to a 
college education. While more and more Americans are enrolling in 
college, too many disadvantaged students in America still lack the 
support, resources, motivation, and high expectations that they need to 
succeed.
    In today's information economy, education may be the best investment 
of a lifetime. Over the past 8 years, we have made the largest 
investment in higher education since the GI bill by increasing Pell 
grants and creating the HOPE scholarship, the lifetime learning tax 
credit, and direct student loans. To help more disadvantaged students 
get on track for college success, we created the GEAR UP initiative and 
expanded resources for TRIO.
    The Pathways to College Network will build on our effort to expand 
college opportunities by researching successful programs and using the 
results to help students across the country. I salute the commitment 
made by six prominent foundations including the Ford and Gates 
Foundations, leading non-profit groups dedicated to college opportunity, 
and Secretary of Education Riley. The network recognizes that elementary 
and secondary schools, colleges, universities, and communities must work 
together if we are to successfully address this issue. There is no 
higher priority than continuing to work to ensure that all Americans 
have access to a quality education.