FSCJ president weighs in on free community college plan

First Coast News

http://www.firstcoastnews.com/story/news/education/2015/01/09/president-obama-community-college-education/21513347/

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- A plan to pick up the tuition bill for students who attend community college is being rolled out by President Obama who offered more details during a visit to a college in Tennessee on Friday.

The President believes the move is all about training our workforce.

"It's something we can accomplish," said Obama.

The president of Florida State College, Dr. Cynthia Bioteau, when learning of the idea embraced the debate that will follow.

"The idea that we are still talking about the importance of further education, of higher education for an educated populous in this country can only be beneficial," said Bioteau.

The president's plan would cover the tuition expenses which are on average $3,800 a year. It is projected nine million students at more than 1,000 community colleges could potentially benefit.

Required of students is that they attend school at least half-time and maintain a 2.5 grade point average. The other expectation is that students show progress at completing a two year degree.

Community college students locally embraced the idea saying it has merit.

"I think it is a good idea," said Gregory Lawrence who went back to school to become an auto technician. "I think it may motivate more young people to do it," added Lawrence who believes free tuition would encourage more people to go back to school.

The president's proposal has a projected cost of $70 billion dollars.

Congress two years ago did not support the president's plan to implement universal preschool because of its costs. Congress too would have to weigh in on the plan that right now calls for the federal government to pick up 75 percent of the cost.