Obama Visits the Oval Office

President-elect Barack Obama visits the Oval Office for the first time today for a briefing from President Bush. The historic transition meeting is likely to bring goosebumps all around. The task ahead is clearly a tough one. Where does he start? He has shown that he turns to the people for information, inspiration, and guidance, and he will certainly surround himself with expert advisers as he sets priorities.

Where will education fall in that list of priorities? The economy is in the tank and there's a war to end. I don't think many would argue that those problems should be addressed first, but Obama understands the importance of education and we know he can multi-task. (Isn't that an understatement?!)

Straight from Obama's website, here are his promises for improving access to higher education:

* Create the American Opportunity Tax Credit: Obama and Biden will make college affordable for all Americans by creating a new American Opportunity Tax Credit. This universal and fully refundable credit will ensure that the first $4,000 of a college education is completely free for most Americans, and will cover two-thirds the cost of tuition at the average public college or university and make community college tuition completely free for most students. Recipients of the credit will be required to conduct 100 hours of community service.

* Simplify the Application Process for Financial Aid: Obama and Biden will streamline the financial aid process by eliminating the current federal financial aid application and enabling families to apply simply by checking a box on their tax form, authorizing their tax information to be used, and eliminating the need for a separate application.

We know it won't happen tomorrow, but we also know that Obama grew up with an emphasis on education, and I suspect he'll have a team working on his education promises very soon.

Are you thinking about finally finishing college? Getting an advanced degree? Has Obama and his education plan inspired you to continue your education? Tell us your story, right here or in the Continuing Education forum.