Education

"I hear from so many students frequently about how higher education is more expensive and many are facing an affordability crisis, even before the pandemic," Bonamici said. "And we know that the pandemic has had a disparate effect on communities of color and parents, exacerbated by existing inequities in the system."

Bonamici thanked students in her closing remarks and said their resilience is inspiring. "It's clear that community colleges are going to have a really important role in our economic recovery," she said.

Cardona and Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici held a roundtable discussion with students at Southridge High School who are participating in a program that's helping to diversify the education workforce.

At his second stop, Southridge High School in Beaverton, Cardona held a roundtable discussion with students and Rep. Suzanne Bonamici about the President's American Family Plan, a proposal that includes two years of free community college. "When graduates of community college graduate, they have a 21% increase in their earning potential," said Cardona.

Tomorrow, U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona will continue his tour in Oregon to discuss the provisions within President Biden's Build Back Better agenda that provide students pathways to affordable higher education, including providing two years of free community college.

In Oregon, Cardona will hold a roundtable with Rep. Suzanne Bonamici (D-Ore.) to discuss the president's pledge to publicly fund two years of community college.