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 to people of all backgrounds, 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. Most jobs today require at least a basic understanding of technology and computer skills. I'm committed to expanding STEM education and getting our students interested in STEM fields, especially by investing in young girls' education. I have supported legislation that expands STEM education and computer science in schools. To complement my legislative history, I have included programs that encourage STEM interests into my FY2023 and FY2022 Community Project Funding requests. These funds go directly to support STEM initiatives for students and prepare them for STEM related careers.

Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) 

In today's increasingly globalized age, we need federal education policies that prepare our students to compete with their international counterparts. According to the 2018 Organization of Economic Cooperation and Development's Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) results, our nation's academic scores lag far behind those of other countries. Our children and our nation deserve better.

I fully supported the rewrite of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), reversing the misguided No Child Left Behind Act, as a bipartisan effort to aid underfunded schools and provide support to teachers by giving states and districts a bigger voice in local education. I voted in favor of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) in 2015 to ensure comprehensive education for students and adults alike. 

I introduced an amendment into the ESSA to promote adult literacy and financial literacy across America. With over 100 million adults that lack proficiency in reading and millions more that struggle with basic financial literacy, I am keeping education for all age levels a top priority. 

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 have introduced legislation to fund higher education  workforce training programs specifically designed to help students obtain higher degrees. On top of this, I have fought for grant funding supporting job training programs. I fully support initiatives to improve our schools and increase opportunities to pursue higher education. 

Women and Girls' Education

Expanding opportunities for women and girls in education is a pressing matter for our nation. It is long past time we recognize the setbacks women and girls have faced in seeking education and begin to pave the way forward. During my time in office, I have worked to represent the unique experiences young women and girls face in their education and fight to give them the resources they need to succeed. 

I am devoted to supporting the education of Black women and girls, as well. I serve as co-chair of the Caucus of Black Women and Girls, where I work to increase visibility of the specific difficulties Black girls face in education and improve the resources provided. I have created legislation that increases grant funding for Black students and created task forces to examine the experiences of Black women and girls and assess how to best improve educational outcomes.