U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan will give opening remarks at the second College Opportunity Day of Action at 9 a.m. ET on Thursday, Dec. 4, in Washington, D.C. Duncan will discuss the importance of building networks of colleges committed to expanding access through initiatives in four major areas: promoting completion, investing in high school counselors, creating K-16 partnerships around college readiness, and increasing the number of college graduates in STEM fields.
Hosted by President Obama, this event helps to support the President's commitment to partner with colleges and universities, business leaders and nonprofits to support students across the country to help our nation reach its goal of leading the world in college attainment.
At the first-ever White House College Opportunity Day of Action held last January, more than 140 college presidents and other education leaders announced commitments to expanding college opportunity. Over 300 college presidents and leaders who are launching initiatives in the four areas outlined above will attend this year's Day of Action. They will participate in panel discussions moderated by Cecilia Munoz, director of the White House Domestic Policy Council, and Julian Castro, U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development.
Remarks by President Obama, First Lady Michelle Obama, and Vice President Joe Biden will conclude the day's event.