Issue Position: Higher Education

Issue Position

Roger is working hard in the Frederick community to improve our higher education system and prepare our children to compete in this new economy. Roger was appointed to the Board of Trustees at FCC by Governor Martin O'Malley in July 2013. Roger believes FCC is the economic heartbeat of the Frederick community. Furthermore, Roger understands the importance of the mission of Community Colleges and how they are well positioned to support the needs of the 21st century workforce.

Roger will fight for and support the following legislation as your representative:

- establish a Pay It Forward Trust Fund, to remove the barrier to upfront tuition and produce more 21st century workforce ready college graduates, by combating the student loan crisis and giving access to low-income and middle-class students.

- establish a Smarter Marylander Program by allocating $400 million from the Maryland Lottery System, so each Maryland high school graduate that meets specific academic criteria can attend and complete a two-year degree at a Maryland Community College free.

- establish a Mentor Marylander Program for the purpose of providing mentoring and apprenticeships for high school seniors in the area of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. Mentors will be eligible for tax credits based on their annual number of mentoring hours.

- establish a Science Technology Engineering and Math (STEM) Academy in Frederick City to support the demands of the New Economy.

- ensure Frederick County receives the required state and federal funding for vocational and higher education levels.

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