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Business-Higher Education Forum Supports President Obama’s Goal of Bolstering Race to the Top

FY 2011 Budget request includes $1.35 billion for reforming, strengthening schools

Contact: Pamela Lessard 202-367-1284, Alex Sittig 202-367-2393

Washington, DC (January 20, 2010) — The Business-Higher Education Forum (BHEF) today released a statement in response to President Obama’s announcement that he will seek in his FY 2011 budget request $1.35 billion in funding for the Race to the Top fund, as well as the addition of a new competition for state districts.

“The president’s continued and unprecedented commitment to education has paved the way for reinvestment in our nation’s schools and colleges to more effectively educate the next generation of citizens and workers.” says BHEF Executive Director Brian K. Fitzgerald.

“With the addition of $1.35 billion for the Race to the Top fund, standards would be raised, teacher effectiveness would be increased, data-driven decision-making would be implemented, and more low-performing schools would be turned around. Also, more states would have the opportunity to submit applications that would invest funds specifically in the science, technology, mathematics, and engineering fields (STEM) disciplines. With America’s corporate leaders relying heavily on a qualified workforce in these areas, it is crucial that these applications focus on these disciplines.

The fact that the president’s plan also would invigorate district-level reform by expanding the Race to the Top beyond just states but to school districts ready to embark on system-wide improvement of their educations policies and practices indicates a deep understanding by this administration for education reform.”

About the Business-Higher Education Forum

The Business-Higher Education Forum (BHEF) is an organization of Fortune 500 CEOs, prominent college and university presidents, and foundation leaders working to advance solutions to the nation’s education challenges in order to enhance U.S. competitiveness. BHEF brings together an extraordinary coalition of corporate, academic, and foundation members to influence public policy and to inspire other corporate, academic, and foundation leaders to act. Online at www.bhef.com.