As a proud graduate of Baltimore City Public Schools, I am a big believer that there can be no greater priority than providing access to a high-quality education. Education is truly the great equalizer in our society. Learners of all ages depend on access to quality education at every level, from pre-school through K-12 to higher education or career and technology education. I will advocate for federal education policies that allow students to succeed in the classroom, educators across our state to be excited about teaching, and for parents and community advocates to have a voice in the education of their children. I am committed to providing funding for early childhood education, teacher and principal training, civic and government education, the arts, and environmental literacy curriculum, literacy and mental health supports for our students. Working with Morgan State University and others, I have been a strong proponent of increasing student access to training in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) programs.

With students and families facing ever-increasing student debt loads, now is the time to provide affordable, high-quality education opportunities that allow students to invest in themselves without taking on generational debt to pursue their educational goals. I support the America’s College Promise plan which would provide academically successful students with the ability to earn the first two years of their college degree tuition-free at a community college. For students and parents who have already taken out student loans to finance their education, I will continue to advocate to allow for the refinancing of students loans to today’s lower interest rates. Hardworking Maryland students and their families should be afforded the ability to repay their student loan obligations in a way that can ease their repayment burden, through programs such as Income Based Repayment.

From our exemplary primary and secondary schools, to our world-class colleges and universities, Maryland sets the bar high for education in our country. I will continue working to improve access to high-quality educational opportunities to ensure every student can meet his or her educational dreams and aspirations.