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Dear Friend,
Thank you for subscribing to my new education newsletter! My team and I have been working hard on school choice and improving educational programs for our children in South Carolina and across this nation. We need your help! A survey will be included in each newsletter for you to share your thoughts. Your answers and ideas will be incorporated into future updates and legislation!
You can sign up for my weekly update and other issue-specific newsletters here. Also, please remember to follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube for regular updates on how I am serving the people of South Carolina!
Students Benefit from School Choice
The COVID-19 pandemic further proves that a one-size-fits-all approach to education does not work for our children. Families must have options that best fit their children’s needs, whether that means public, private, charter, magnet, online, or homeschool education. When parents have choices, children have access to a slew of opportunities that set them up for a better future. Our belief in choice has always been rock-solid; nationwide, the support is growing. A RealClear poll shows an increase for support of school choice from parents with kids in public schools. In April, 67% supported school choice, and that number is now 77%.
I introduced the School Choice Now Act with Senate Education Committee Chairman Lamar Alexander (R-TN). The legislation would ensure families have access to educational options by encouraging individuals and businesses to donate to organizations that provide scholarships to families. In the latest episode of my new podcast, “Opportunity With Tim Scott,” I interview Walter Blanks, Jr., and his mother, Traci Woodard, on how school choice has changed their lives for the better. Listen now on your favorite podcast app (Apple, Spotify, Google Podcasts, YouTube).
Connectivity for Our Students Across the Nation
I want to see more attention around broadband access and connectivity, and so I currently have several bills to address these issues. Earlier this year, I introduced the Connecting Minority Communities Act. This creates a pilot program to provide $100 million in grants to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) to expand access to broadband and digital opportunity in their communities. I also introduced the Governors Broadband Development Fund which prioritizes $10 billion for areas that currently lack service, supports the deployment of advanced technologies, and encourages projects that can provide internet service quickly. We must ensure that all South Carolinians and Americans are equipped with connectivity and the tools necessary to thrive, especially in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. If you want to hear more about my work around broadband and connectivity, be sure to sign up for my broadband and connectivity newsletter here.
National College Application Month
During the COVID-19 pandemic, we have seen fewer students apply to college. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the unemployment rate for young adults with a bachelor’s degree and the unemployment rate for young adults whose highest credential is a high school diploma differ by 20 percentage points, which has widened exponentially as a result of the coronavirus. The challenges of this pandemic should not hinder our young people’s futures. I introduced a resolution designating November as National College Application Month, along with Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), to encourage all students to pursue their dreams and continue their educational journey. The resolution was also introduced in the House by Representatives Brett Guthrie (R-Ky.) and Susan Wild (D-Pa.). This cause is bipartisan and bicameral, because education is the key that unlocks endless opportunities for our young people.
Acknowledgements
It is an honor to serve you all and fight for the educational needs of your families. I was blessed to recently receive the Charter School Champion of the Year Award from the Public Charter School Alliance of South Carolina. I also had the pleasure of speaking at the Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities Annual Meeting. This year, our educators had to quickly adjust to new challenges and their efforts are and have been superior. Their resilience and commitment to education shines even brighter in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Thank you for reading my first education newsletter, and over the coming months I’ll continue to stay in touch on both what I am working on in the Senate, and what I am hearing from you!
Have a great week!
Sincerely,
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