President Obama is traveling to Watertown, South Dakota on Friday to deliver the commencement address at Lake Area Technical Institute — one of the nation's top community colleges. While congratulating the graduating class, the President will also discuss his plan to make community college free for students who keep their grades up.
From students just out of high school to those returning to the classroom for more training or a career change, community college students make up 40 percent of the Americans enrolled in higher education. The President’s plan is projected to benefit around 9 million students each year and save the average full-time community college student $3,800 a year in tuition expenses.
Here at the White House, we understand the impact that community colleges are having on students throughout the country. On National College Signing Day, three White House staffers shared their story of attending community college and credited their schools with helping them reach their full potential.
Meet these three White House staffers: