Gov. Joe Manchin gave his State of the State address Wednesday evening, and I was pleasantly surprised to find myself interested in some of it.
Manchin emphasized education and there were highlights for college students to pay some serious attention to.
College students in West Virginia have heard the last of tuition increases for at least the next four years, if Manchin has anything to say about it. Manchin proposed a tuition freeze for all technical schools, colleges and universities in West Virginia.
Manchin said this in response to his concern with the staggering statistics of declining college graduation among today’s youth. He said out of 100 students in ninth grade right now, only 16 of them will finish their education and get a diploma. He called the graduation rates “very disappointing.”
Manchin said the United States and Germany are the only Western democracies where the children are less likely to have graduated from college than their parents.
This is shocking. However, the enrollment into college continues to rise. The problem lies in keeping the students enrolled and excelling academically through graduation.
On a positive note, Manchin said community college enrollment has increased for adults by 16 percent.
Manchin said the PROMISE scholarship program is something he is proud to keep going. However, in echoing his concern from his State of the State address in 2008, he is asking the recipients of those scholarships to keep a vow as well.
“I’m asking every PROMISE graduate to make us a promise – to do everything possible to stay in the state of West Virginia,” Manchin said Wednesday.
In 2008, Manchin said he was going to propose a rule for the recipients of the PROMISE scholarship to work in West Virginia or pay back the scholarship.
The West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission reported about 9,300 students received the PROMISE scholarship from 2008 to 2009.
Manchin praised the success of the Bucks for Brains program, which began in 2008. The program provides funding for research in areas of science and technology at Marshall University and West Virginia University. Manchin said there has been increase in students majoring in areas of technology, engineering, math and science.
In addition to education, Manchin addressed West Virginia’s economy. He said he has had to do the first mid-year budget reduction since being in office.
He did say, however, “We should be proud that the state of our state is still strong.”
Something Manchin seemed pleased to announce was the Boy Scouts of America’s commitment to host the National Scout Jamboree in West Virginia for the next 100 years. In addition to this being an honor to the state, he also saw this as an opportunity for more part-time jobs.
For the school system, Manchin is concerned with the lack of attendance of the full 180 days that are required each school year. He vowed to make that a priority.
Bettering the school lunch menu is also a concern. Manchin said this was brought to light by chef Jaime Oliver’s recent television show recorded in Huntington, W.Va. Manchin is hoping there will be an improvement in the quality and nutrition of the food.
Jennifer Garner was representing the program Save the Children, which focuses on the health, education and economic opportunities for 150 communities in the United States. Manchin allocated $1 million for this effort in the rural counties in West Virginia.
With the help of Manchin, West Virginia should be producing college graduates who have eaten well during school, worked part-time jobs at the Boy Scout National Scout Jamboree, and had their tuition paid for, and will be working in areas of technology in West Virginia for years to come.
I think the tuition freeze is great and will help to encourage students to stay in school and graduate. However, as i was reading your blog I realized something I hadn't thought before. I've read in recent articles that room and board may increase to cover costs for the university that the tuition freeze cannot help. I've also read that staying in dorms increases high academic achievement for students compared to ones who commute to school. So, even though students may have more incentive to stay in school because of the tuition freeze, the graduation rate may still continue to be low because students may be put off by the high room and board costs.
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