[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 130, 114th Congress, 2nd Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
Proclamation 9425 of April 18, 2016

Education and Sharing Day, U.S.A., 2016

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Our Nation has long been driven by the promise that anyone willing to
work hard can make of their lives what they will, and ensuring
opportunity is within reach for all requires us to provide every young
person with access to a high-quality education. Our future is written in
our classrooms, and on Education and Sharing Day, U.S.A., we reaffirm
our belief that no matter who they are, where they come from, or what
they look like, every child deserves an education that will help them
develop their unique talents and passions, dream beyond their present
circumstances, and unlock their greatest potential.
Investing in the education of our daughters and sons is among the best
investments we can make as a Nation. My Administration has worked to
expand high-quality early education--something that can pay off over a
child's entire lifetime--and we have proposed a plan to offer 2 years of
free community college to anyone willing to work for it, because in
America, a quality education cannot be a privilege reserved for a few.
Last year, I was proud to sign the Every Student Succeeds Act--
bipartisan legislation that will help prepare more of our young people
to seize tomorrow's possibilities. By adopting higher academic
standards, increasing accountability for underperforming schools, making
testing more efficient, and empowering State and local leaders to
develop their own systems for school improvement based on evidence,
rather than impose piecemeal solutions to serious problems, this law
provides schools across America with the resources and flexibility
needed for students to thrive. And earlier this year, I announced
Computer Science for All, a collaborative effort to give every child in
America the opportunity to learn computer science, and in the time
since, a growing coalition of businesses, school leaders, and State and
local governments have joined this initiative.
As we continue to build strong foundations for our students here at
home, we recognize those around the world who are prevented from
obtaining a quality education. That is why my Administration launched
the Let Girls Learn initiative, spearheaded by First Lady Michelle
Obama, to help adolescent girls worldwide get the quality education they
need to reach their full potential. Through this campaign, we are
helping to break down barriers for girls across the globe and working to
shift attitudes and beliefs, affirm the inherent dignity and worth of
every child, and harness the power of our society to rise above our
present obstacles to forge the future we know is possible.

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The advances we have made in education are a result of the many
educators, administrators, and advocates who have opened the doors of
opportunity for countless young people. Today, we pay special tribute to
Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, the Lubavitcher Rebbe, for his
tireless devotion to extending access to education to more people--
regardless of their gender or background. The Rebbe's lifetime of
contribution imparts a reminder of the tremendous importance of making
sure every child has the tools and resources they need to grow,
flourish, and pursue their dreams. On this day, let us carry forward the
Rebbe's legacy by recognizing the limitless potential of each young
person and empowering the next generation to lead our country, and our
world, toward an ever brighter tomorrow.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of
America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and
the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim April 19, 2016, as
Education and Sharing Day, U.S.A. I call upon all Americans to observe
this day with appropriate ceremonies and activities.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this eighteenth day of
April, in the year of our Lord two thousand sixteen, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and
fortieth.
BARACK OBAMA