The Importance of Public Education in America's Success Stories
Public education is often seen as the unsung hero of American society. It is the foundation upon which so many of our nation's success stories are built. From astronauts to astrophysicists, writers to engineers, musicians to mathematicians, and innovative entrepreneurs in the private sector to great leaders in the public sector, the list goes on. And yet, this vital institution continues to face numerous challenges that threaten its very existence.
The 2024 Back to School Bus Tour: A Celebration of Public Education
In an effort to highlight the importance of public education and the Biden-Harris Administration's commitment to supporting it, U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona has embarked on a week-long bus tour across five states. Dubbed the 2024 Back to School Bus Tour, this initiative aims to celebrate the back-to-school season while underscoring the Administration's dedication to helping students recover from the impacts of the pandemic and continue on the path to success.
Stops Along the Way
The tour has made several stops across Wisconsin, Illinois, and Indiana. In Milwaukee, Secretary Cardona held a roundtable conversation with local leaders and partners to discuss academic recovery. This event highlighted the importance of collaboration between educators, policymakers, and community organizations in addressing the challenges faced by students.
In Chicago, Secretary Cardona visited Access Living, a organization that provides services and support to people with disabilities. He also dropped by a Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) clinic, where he met with student loan borrowers and discussed the Administration's efforts to alleviate the burden of student debt.
In Valparaiso, Indiana, Secretary Cardona toured Ivy Tech Community College's campus, meeting with students, faculty, and administrators. He also participated in a roundtable conversation on career and technical education (CTE) programming, highlighting the importance of providing students with relevant skills and training to succeed in today's workforce.
The Future of Public Education
As Secretary Cardona continues his bus tour, he is reminded of the many challenges that lie ahead for public education. From budget cuts to teacher shortages, these issues threaten the very fabric of our educational system. And yet, despite these obstacles, there are still reasons to be hopeful.
The Biden-Harris Administration's commitment to supporting public education through initiatives like the 2024 Back to School Bus Tour is a testament to its dedication to ensuring that every student has access to quality education. By working together, we can build a brighter future for our nation's students and ensure that they have the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in an ever-changing world.
Get Involved
If you're interested in learning more about the 2024 Back to School Bus Tour or would like to get involved, please email [email protected]. Follow the bus tour on social media at #EdBusTour24 to stay up-to-date with the latest news and events.