August 29, 2002
President Bush, Secretary Paige Unveil New State Scholars Initiative
New program will encourage students to take more—and more rigorous—courses to better prepare them for higher education, work
LITTLE ROCK, Ark.—U.S. Secretary of Education Rod Paige today joined President Bush to unveil a new partnership among the business community and high schools, colleges and universities, and non-profit and other organizations to encourage students to take more—and more rigorous courses—to better prepare them for postsecondary education and the workplace.
The president announced the new program during a meeting with educators, students and business leaders at the Parkview Arts and Science Magnet High School in Little Rock. Today's event also marks the 20th stop on Secretary Paige's No Child Left Behind Tour Across America.
"Now more than ever, it's important for our students to take more challenging courses so they're prepared for the demands of postsecondary education and the workforce," Paige said. "This new program will help us to better engage the business community and our schools, so that every student is challenged to achieve his or her dreams."
The new State Scholars program is a partnership of the business community and educators to encourage students to challenge themselves by completing courses of study beyond the minimum requirements for high school graduation. The Scholars Core Academic Course of Study includes at least: four years of English, three years of math (algebra I and II and geometry), three years of lab science (biology, chemistry and physics), 3.5 years of social studies and two years of a foreign language.
According to Secretary Paige, the new program is important because currently, more than 90 percent of students say they will enroll in college, but only 63 percent actually register, and less than one-third complete a high school course of study necessary for success. When students do enroll in college, 49 percent require and take remedial courses. This lack of preparation makes them six times less likely to earn a degree.
Also, more than two in 10 four-year college students and four in 10 two-year college students do not return for their sophomore year, many because they were unprepared academically. Lower percentages of students from disadvantaged backgrounds are deemed "qualified" for admission or enroll in college by the fall following their graduation from high school.
"This new initiative will help to create a new culture of achievement, ensure equal opportunity for all students regardless of their background, and prepare all students for success in some type of postsecondary education after high school, whether it is a technical or community college, university, apprenticeship program or on-the-job training," Paige said.
In order to secure better paying jobs, students need to be prepared for postsecondary education whether it is technical training, two- or four-year colleges or universities, or apprenticeships. Currently, the minimum high school graduation requirements are inadequate preparation.
The key to success is business involvement in working directly with students to reinforce the value of the rigorous Scholars Course of Study, in helping schools promote the course of study, and in aligning scholarships and other rewards for students who successfully complete the program. Upon completion of the Scholars Course of Study, students are recognized and can be made eligible for admission and scholarships to any state college, university or technical training school.
The U. S. Department of Education will award a grant to the Center for State Scholars. The center will partner with the Business Roundtable and other business organizations to select states that want to increase the level of rigor to prepare students for the new economy. Five states will be chosen by Oct. 15. Up to $2.4 million is available to help implement this program.
"It is my goal that the result of this program will be higher college graduation rates; increased chances of enrolling in colleges; better prepared students for college and the workforce; and more eligibility for admission and scholarships to state colleges, universities or technical training programs," Paige added.
For more information about the program, visit www.centerforstatescholars.org or call (512) 480-3164.
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