Acting U.S. Secretary of Education John B. King Jr. will bring his "Opportunity Across America" tour to Orlando Tuesday to meet with students and educators at Valencia College and to spotlight examples of excellence in American education.
At 9:30 a.m. ET, King will participate in a student-led school tour with a student roundtable discussion set for 9:50 a.m. A press availability will follow at 10:50 a.m. Accompanying King will be U.S. Under Secretary of Education Ted Mitchell, who oversees higher education programs at the Department, including student financial aid.
The Orlando stop is the third in a five-city journey to highlight good work underway in schools and communities across the country and to hear stories, experiences and insights about what's working and what needs to be done. The tour began Thursday in El Paso, Texas, and continued in Houston. Following his Orlando appearance, King will continue the trip in Philadelphia and Wilmington, Delaware.
The events will focus on King's top priorities for the next year: promoting equity and excellence at every level of education to ensure that every child has the opportunity to succeed; supporting and lifting up the teaching profession; and continuing the Department's focus on returning America to the top of the rankings in college completion by ensuring more students earn an affordable degree with real value.
Later at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Under Secretary Mitchell will give remarks during a Community College Conference on Legal Issues to be held at the Rosen Plaza Hotel in Orlando. He will talk about the steps the Department has taken to improve access, affordability and outcomes while protecting the rights of students, and how addressing the current trends and legal matters unique to college students continues to be a priority.