Education
The strength of our education system directly impacts our nation’s ability to compete in the global marketplace. Today, the next generation of great innovators, businessmen, and scientists are sitting in classrooms across the country. Prioritizing our students is the safest and smartest investment we can make as a nation. We need federal policies that ensure schools have the resources necessary to help our students succeed, to make higher education accessible, and to ensure that our students are ready for 21st century careers.
Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Education
Expanding STEM education is the key for America to remain a leader in innovation in the global economy. Most jobs today require at least a basic understanding of technology and computer skills. I’m committed to expanding STEM education in our country and getting our students interested in STEM fields. I’ve introduced legislation that would incentivize college graduates with degrees in a STEM field to teach for 5 years. To complement my legislative efforts, I’ve worked with STEM professionals across our district to build a STEM Academy where these experts serve as teachers, mentors and role models – inspiring students in the Second Congressional District to pursue careers in STEM fields.
Education and Secondary Education Act (ESEA)
In today’s increasingly globalized age, we need federal education policies that prepare our students to compete with their international counterparts. According to the 2012 Organization of Economic Cooperation and Development’s Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) results, our nation’s academic scores have remained stagnant while other nations’ scores have improved significantly. Our children and our nation deserve better.
A re-write of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), also known as “No Child Left Behind,” is long overdue. We need a bipartisan and transparent approach to re-writing No Child Left Behind. Through a collaborative effort, we can ensure that under-performing schools have the funds they need, that teachers aren’t forced to unnecessarily change their curricula to accommodate high stakes tests, and that every student is college and career-ready.
Higher Education
Today, as more and more jobs require advanced degrees and training, access to higher education is becoming a necessity. Yet, the cost of higher education has grown astronomically in the past few decades, burdening millions of students and their families with significant debt while making college inaccessible to countless more. In fact, student loan debt is the second largest type of debt in America, greater than credit card debt and exceeded only by mortgage debt. I strongly support federal policies that increase college affordability, and promote student loan refinancing, and lowering of student loan interest rates.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Thank you.
See also information on student financial aid.
More on Education
Congresswoman Robin Kelly announced today that Governors State University has been awarded a $202,115 federal grant to develop science curriculum for grades K-12 that will incorporate digital primary sources housed with the Library of Congress.
Parents can learn about two economical college savings programs during Congresswoman Robin Kelly’s 2nd annual College Savings Night on Monday, April 25, from 6:30 to 8 p.m., at Country Club Hills City Hall, Downstairs Room 105/106, located at 4200 W. 183rd Street.
U.S. Representative Robin Kelly is sponsoring the annual Congressional Art Competition open to high school students residing or attending a school within the Second Congressional District.
The winner will have the opportunity to attend a ceremony this summer in Washington D.C., where his or her artwork will be displayed at the U.S. Capitol for one year. The artwork of second- and third-place winners will be displayed in Rep. Kelly’s district offices.
U.S. Representative Robin Kelly is sponsoring the annual Congressional Art Competition open to high school students residing or attending a school within the Second Congressional District.
The winner will have the opportunity to attend a ceremony this summer in Washington D.C., where his or her artwork will be displayed at the U.S. Capitol for one year. The artwork of second- and third-place winners will be displayed in Rep. Kelly’s district offices.
Congresswoman Robin Kelly invites students from kindergarten through 8th grade to participate in her annual Black History Month Video Contest that honors the accomplishments of African-Americans.
In the short video, students can describe why it’s important to celebrate Black History Month, the moment in African American history that resonates most with them, or how they believe schools should celebrate the month.
The top videos will be posted on Rep. Kelly’s website, while others submitted will appear on her YouTube channel.
Congresswoman Robin Kelly today nominated 11 high school students from her district for admission to United States Military Academies.
“I am proud to support the admission of these exceptional young men and women into our nation’s finest military academies,” Rep. Kelly said. “Their intellect, character and willingness to serve will invigorate our military’s tradition of excellence in leadership.”
Rep. Kelly nominated the following students for admission to the Class of 2020:
Congress recently passed legislation which included an amendment offered by Congresswoman Robin Kelly (IL-02) promoting adult literacy and financial literacy in communities across the country. Kelly’s proposal ensured that Family Engagement in Education Programs covered under S. 1177, the Every Student Succeeds Act conduct adult and financial literacy in order to engage families and improve academic outcomes for students.