{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "rows": [["https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/sens-scott-coons-and-colleagues-introduce-resolution-designating-november-as-national-college-application-month/", "Sens. Scott, Coons, and colleagues introduce resolution designating November as National College Application Month", "2020-11-19", "2020", "2020-11", "Republican", "Senate", "SC", "Tim Scott", "S001184", "www.scott.senate.gov", "timscott", "https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/jsf/jet-engine:press-list", "scraper", "WASHINGTON- Senators Tim Scott (R-S.C.) and Chris Coons (D-Del.) introduced a resolution in the Senate designating November as National College Application Month. The resolution was also introduced in the House by Representatives Brett Guthrie (R-Ky.) and Susan Wild (D-Pa.) to remind students that they should not let the pandemic prevent them from identifying their college options nor cause further disruptions and barriers to their educational journey. COVID-19 continues to complicate high school seniors\u2019 and others\u2019 assessment of their educational plans with fewer students applying to college and completing the FAFSA when compared to a year ago.\n\nThe bipartisan resolutions note that \u201cthe Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the unemployment rate for young adults with a bachelor\u2019s 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.\u201d\n\n\u201cEducation is the key that unlocks endless opportunities,\u201d said Senator Tim Scott. \u201cAlthough this year has been different than most, it\u2019s important that the future of our young people not be hindered by the challenges of this pandemic. I encourage all students \u2013 regardless of age \u2013 to pursue your dreams and continue your educational journey.\u201d\n\n\u201cEven amidst all the challenges of this year, it\u2019s important that all of us continue to dream big about the future. If you are a high school senior or someone thinking about returning to school, now is the time to apply and to learn more about your options,\u201d said Senator Coons. \u201cI\u2019m excited to work with my colleagues to recognize everyone undertaking that project this month and look forward to celebrating your plans come spring.\u201d\n\n\u201cWe have an obligation to keep a high-quality education within reach for each and every student \u2013 and that starts with ensuring students and families have access to the important information on the college admissions process, know about the opportunities our excellent community colleges and two-year colleges in PA-07 provide, the value of an advanced degree, and costs so they can make decisions that are right for them,\u201d said Representative Wild. \u201cThis academic year comes with so many unprecedented challenges for our high school seniors and those looking to pursue higher education, so it could not be more important to support the work being done \u2013 virtually or otherwise \u2013 to help guide our students through the college process.\u201d\n\n\u201cI am proud to co-sponsor this resolution that will help shed light on the higher education application process. As a member of the House Education and Labor Committee, I continue to encourage all youth to explore ways that they can further their education. I was proud to work with Senator Coons, Senator Scott, and Congresswoman Wild to designate November as National College Application Month,\u201d said Representative Guthrie.\n\nIn the Senate, the resolution is also cosponsored by Senators Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) and Tom Carper (D-Del.). The American College Application Campaign (ACAC), an initiative of ACT\u2019s Center for Equity in Learning, National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC), and Reach Higher have spoken in support of the resolution.\n\nACAC Director Lisa Sommer King said, \u201cNovember is a perfect time for students, parents, and educators to focus on moving ahead with college applications. While we\u2019ve had many disruptions in our lives, the congressional resolutions and the support from our allies in this work shows that we\u2019re coming together to remind students \u2014especially Black, Native American, Latinx, and first-generation students \u2014 that planning for the future must go on, even during the current challenges.\u201d\n\n\u201cApplying to college should be a fundamentally student-centered process,\u201d noted Angel B. P\u00e9rez, CEO, NACAC. \u201cCongressional recognition of the significance of the college application process helps raise awareness of the promise of higher education, the disparities in equitable access to college, and the supports needed to ensure that students can make successful transitions.\u201d\n\nStephanie Owens, director of programming, Reach Higher at the Common App, said, \u201cEducation is the single most important investment one can make for their future and it gives you the opportunity to meet people with different backgrounds and open your mind to critical thinking.\u201d\n\nThe three organizations stress the need for school districts and community members to talk to students about the importance of education beyond high school, to organize activities \u2013 whether in person or virtual \u2013 to support students through the college-going process, to celebrate the important milestones for the Class of 2021 like applying to college or filling out the FAFSA, and to provide a sense of normalcy amid uncertainty.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-06-28T00:39:51Z"]], "columns": ["url", "title", "date", "year", "month", "party", "chamber", "state", "member_name", "bioguide_id", "domain", "scraper", "source", "date_source", "text", "has_text", "collected_at", "updated_at"], "primary_keys": ["url"], "primary_key_values": ["https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/sens-scott-coons-and-colleagues-introduce-resolution-designating-november-as-national-college-application-month/"], "units": {}, "query_ms": 1.635570079088211, "source": "dwillis/congress-press", "source_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press", "license": "MIT", "license_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press/blob/main/LICENSE"}