12 April 2009, Oakland, CA – Organizing for America-California will hold a press conference at Laney College at 11:00 a.m., on Tuesday, April 13 to spotlight how the student loan reform recently signed into law by President Obama will reduce higher education costs for students in the Bay Area. Organizing for America-California representatives, students and administrators from the Peralta Community College District and UC Berkeley will discuss how the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act – and the continued support of President Obama – will ensure the next generation of America’s leaders has the necessary tools to succeed.
Bay Area students will share their personal stories about the current student loan system: Esteem Brumfield became homeless after he was discouraged from applying for student loans; and Jurena Storm, her husband and children struggle to make ends meet as they try to pay for her education.
The Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act is the largest-ever investment in higher education – expanding educational opportunity for America’s students and families. The legislation will invest more than $1.5 billion in California The legislation strengthens the Pell Grant program, invests in community colleges, extends support for Historically Black Colleges and Universities and other Minority Serving Institutions, and helps student borrowers manage their student loan debt.
WHAT:
Press Conference “What Student Loan Reform Means for Bay Area Students”
WHO:
Dr. Elñora Webb, Acting President of Laney College
James M. Bracy, Interim Associate Vice Chancellor of Peralta Community College District
Ian Magruder, President of California College Democrats
Jeff Harry, Regional Field Director with Organizing for America
Bay Area students sharing their stories about the current loan system
WHEN:
11:00 a.m., Tuesday, April 13, 2010
WHERE:
Laney College Quad (Rain site: Laney Tower lobby)
VISUALS:
Students on campus during the school day, students sharing personal stories about affording their education
For more information about participating organizations, visit:
Organizing for America http://www.barackobama.com
Laney College http://www.laney.peralta.edu
College Democrats of America http://www.collegedems.com/
For more information, contact Public Information Officer Eliza Y Chan at elizachan@peralta.edu or 510-464-3161.
