Washington, DC- Congresswoman Marcia L. Fudge (OH-11) introduced two pieces of legislation Thursday: the Go to High School, Go to College Act of 2014 to make college credits more accessible and affordable, and the Transportation Connections to Opportunity Act of 2014 to improve mobility for Americans with transportation disadvantages.

Go to High School, Go to College Act of 2014
Extends Pell Grants to Students Earning College Credits While in High School

“Higher education is a pivotal step in the cradle-to-career progression that too many of our students dismiss because they lack financial support,” said Congresswoman Fudge.  “The Go to High School, Go to College Act provides a way for more secondary students to experience college success and seriously consider it as a viable option for their future.”

As a member of the Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary and Secondary Education, Congresswoman Fudge is a strong supporter of early college high schools and dually-enrolled students. The early college partnerships between public school districts and institutions of higher education allow high school students to simultaneously acquire a diploma and earn college credits. 

There are hundreds of early college high schools and dual enrollment programs across the country that serve students who are underrepresented in higher education.  Many public school systems— often already financially strained— are responsible for securing funding for their early college students.  The Go to High School, Go to College Act permits high school students eligible for federal financial aid to access Pell Grants to pay for college credits while in high school.

“I believe the Act would encourage more early college programs, provide access to more students, and help improve college retention and completion rates for those students.”

View the Go to High School, Go to College Act of 2014 here.

Transportation Connections to Opportunity Act of 2014
Improves Access to Transit Options for Disadvantaged Workers

“Our nation’s transportation system is vital to a robust economic recovery,”said Congresswoman Fudge.  “Many Americans depend on public transportation to access education, training and job opportunities, and it is critical that we spur transportation infrastructure development that gives them more options and easier access.”

The Transportation Connections to Opportunity Act promotes investment in projects that support economic and partnership opportunities, enhance access to job sites, and provide more transportation options.  Specifically, the legislation provides $100 million in competitive grants for local, eligible entities, and the flexibility states need to improve access for disadvantaged Americans facing “challenges in securing transportation due to age, disability or income constraints.”

According to the Brookings Institution report of public transportation in the 100 largest metro areas, 39 million working-age Americans lack access to transit. The Transportation Connections to Opportunity Act helps address their disadvantages.

View the Transportation Connections to Opportunity Act of 2014 here.

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