You are here:

Bill Gates Calls on Lawmakers to Increase Funding for Education

By now, everyone in the world is well aware of the United States' current economic crisis. That said, there is another quiet crisis that has been plaguing the country for many years running. That crisis concerns education, and now a celebrated modern captain of industry is stepping in to demand that something be done.

Addressing the National Conference of State Legislatures in Philadelphia yesterday, according to The Seattle Times, technological titan Bill Gates advised lawmakers to put a renewed focus on strengthening the country's public education system. "We've been in an education crisis for decades," he said, noting not only that are U.S. students continuing to slip in global ranking, but that high school graduation rates have not improved for 40 years, with over 30% of all students -- nearly half of the minority student population -- dropping out. According to Gates, "success in this century will depend on how well America does what we have so far done very badly -- give low-income and minority students a world-class education."

Bill Gates may be famous for dropping out of college to form Microsoft, but he is no stranger to the vital importance of education and the depths of the nation's current education problems. As co-chair (along with his wife) of The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, he has worked hard to expand education opportunities in the United States, from providing scholarships to funding research into new innovations like distance learning and community college improvements. Though the economic crisis demands immediate attention, Gates asserted that "difficult times can often spark needed reforms."

Those reforms come to the tune of $100 billion in federal stimulus money, which Gates suggests lawmakers put toward improving "the way schools are run," from rewarding high school and college graduation rates to offering incentives like financial aid and state funding to successful schools. "Adding financial incentives for graduation," Gates explained, "can encourage colleges to offer schedules that make more sense for students who have to work, courses and counseling that guide students toward specific job goals and more innovative use of technology, such as online lectures." Gates also suggested rewards and incentives for teachers who have proven themselves particularly inspiring and effective in the classroom, as well as the support of a Common Core State Standards Initiative which would improve education standards in many states.

According to the article, The Gates Foundation recently announced "a new post-secondary initiative with a goal of doubling the number of low-income students in the United States who graduate from college or other post high-school programs by 2025," sponsoring programs at technical & vocational schools to help make that goal a reality. With such dedicated and continuing interest in education, Gates has proved a powerful voice in education, and state legislatures might do well to listen and take note.

Search Schools

      
  • University of Phoenix

    At University of Phoenix, we believe everyone deserves access to higher education.

    Programs

    • B.S. in Business/Public Sector
    • California Teachers of English Learners Cert.
    • M.A. in Education/Curriculum and Instruction - Reading
    • More...
    Location:
    Phoenix: , Phoenix AP
    University of Phoenix
    Request Info »
  • Virginia College

    Set your career in motion at Virginia College Online.

    Programs

    • AS - Paralegal Studies
    • AS - Medical Office Administration
    • BS - Business Administration
    • More...
    Location:
    Birmingham: 300 River Hills Business Park, Birmingham AL 35242
    Virginia College
    Request Info »
  • DeVry University

    Career-focused education for real‐world results.

    Programs

    • Graduate Certificate-Electronic Commerce Management
    • Graduate Certificate-Entrepreneurship
    • Graduate Certificate-Financial Analysis
    • More...
    Location:
    Calgary: , Calgary AB
    Chicago: , Chicago IL
    DeVry University
    Request Info »
  • Keiser University

    For over 30 years, Keiser University eCampus Online has provided student-centered, quality career education.

    Programs

    • Homeland Security, AA (Online)
    • Medical Assisting, AS
    • Information Technology Management, BS (Online)
    • More...
    Location:
    Fort Lauderdale: , Fort Lauderdale FL 33309
    Keiser University
    Request Info »
  • South University Online

    South University offers excellence in education, online convenience, and more than 100 years of tradition.

    Programs

    • Psychology (BA)
    • Business Administration (AS)
    • Nursing (BSN)
    • More...
    Location:
    Savannah: 709 Mall Boulevard, Savannah GA 31406-4805
    South University Online
    Request Info »
  • Ultimate Medical Academy Online

    Boost your career with an education from Ultimate Medical Academy Online.

    Programs

    • Pharmacy Technician Diploma
    • Medical Billing and Coding - Diploma
    • Medical Billing and Coding - Associates
    • More...

    Location: Online

    Ultimate Medical Academy Online
    Request Info »
  • Everest University Online

    Manage your career and your life while earning your degree online.

    Programs

    • Accounting (Bachelor)
    • Paralegal (Associate's)
    • Business (Bachelor's)
    • More...
    Location:
    Santa Ana: , Santa Ana CA
    Everest University Online
    Request Info »
  • Allied Health Institute

    Allied Health Institute is a post-secondary vocational school offering a variety of Diploma and Associate Degree programs in the field of Allied Health. By utilizing online learning, students have the flexibility to continue their education from the convenience of their own home. Our virtual classrooms will enable students to attend classes and communicate with instructors and classmates. Students can complete some programs without leaving their current employment or sacrificing family time.

    Programs

    • Medical Assisting
    • Medical Assistant
    • Medical Office Assistant
    • More...

    Location: Online

    Allied Health Institute
    Request Info »
  • Animal Behavior College

    Interested in a career as a professional dog trainer? Animal Behavior College is the place to start.

    Programs

    • Veterinary Assistant
    • Grooming Instruction
    • Certified Dog Trainer Instructor Course
    Location:
    Northridge: 9249 Reseda Blvd, Northridge CA 91324
    Animal Behavior College
    Request Info »
  • Post University

    Earn your degree online or on campus and accelerate your life.

    Programs

    • Forensic Accounting
    • B.A. in Psychology
    • B.S. in Human Services / Counseling
    • More...
    Location:
    Waterbury: 800 Country Club Rd., Waterbury CT 06723
    Post University
    Request Info »
  • `

    Quick School Search

    College & Career Search Tools

    • Careers: Unsure about your career path? Study profiles of hundreds of professions.

    • Interviews: Professors and deans sit down with our team to give you unique insights on college life.

    • Campus Search: Search campus schools by zip code.

    • Online College Finder: Search online only schools by degree and category option.

    • Military Education: Find only Military friendly online schools and campuses.

    • Student Reviews: Know before you go. Read student reviews on over 2000 accredited colleges. Write your own experience.