Floor Statement on the Introduction of H.R. 2371, the Broadening Opportunities Through Education Act
May 15, 2015
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.
