White House Tabs Community Colleges for New Education Summit

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Jill Biden shakes hands with a Palestinian music student during her visit to the Al-Kamandjati Music Center in the West Bank city of Ramallah

REUTERS/Abed Omar Qusini

For U.S. President Barack Obama, it’s a firm expectation.

By 2020, the nation’s commander in chief says America should rank first in the frequency of college degrees awarded. On Wednesday, the White House took a step toward that goal, announcing its first-ever forum on community colleges.

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The AP reports that the event will be held on Oct. 5, uniting administrators, businesspeople, philanthropists, government representatives and students to discuss methods for how to generate the world’s most potent work force. Obama believes community colleges are a crucial asset in helping students attain an education they can convert into professional success.

Vice President Joe Biden’s wife, Jill, will lead the inaugural event. Obama is leaning on her as an ideal choice, thanks to Mrs. Biden’s 17-plus years of teaching experience at community colleges.

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