• Authorized construction funds for high-speed, broadband Internet access in • Increased funding for school construction (2009) • Increased funding available for student loans (2009) • Expanded the national youth service program (2009) • Streamlined the federal student loan process to save $87 billion over the next 10 years (2009) • Changed the rule to allow students struggling to make college loan payments to refinance their loans (2009) • Discussions with Congress for education reform (2009-2011) * Note: Much of Obama’s education reform has been sidelined by opposition in Congress • Initiated a “Race to the Top” competitive federal grant program for states who develop innovative policies (2009) • Instituted a “judgment review” allowing families with student loans to petition to have their current financial status determine the loan rather than the previous year’s finances (2009) • Launched “Educate to Innovate,” a public/private partnership making $236 million available for science, mathematics, and technology education programs (2009) • Proposed capping the maximum amount students must pay on student loans (as percentage of their income) (2010) • Proposed reducing student loan obligations for individuals going to work in community and public service jobs (2010) • The federal government changed the system to offer direct student loans, cutting out the cost of private banks (“middle man”) who increase the costs in order to make a profit (2010) • Increased investment in technologies for schools/education (2010) |