WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Tim Scott (R-S.C.) introduced a resolution in the Senate designating November as National College Application Month. The bipartisan resolution encourages students to focus on their options for pursuing higher education and commends the parents, educators, and mentors who guide them through the process.

The bipartisan resolution notes that, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the unemployment rate of recent high school graduates not enrolled in college was 18.3 percent in 2022, nearly five times higher than the overall unemployment rate of the United States.

“College is an incredible opportunity to expand your worldview, challenge yourself, and invest in your future. If you are a high school student or someone thinking about returning to school, now is the time to apply and to learn more about affordable higher education options,” said Senator Coons. “I’m excited to work with my colleagues to recognize everyone undertaking the college application process this month and look forward to celebrating Delaware students’ plans come spring.”

“Education is the closest thing to magic in America, and continuing one’s education at the college level creates a future of limitless possibilities for students of all backgrounds,” said Senator Scott. “I’m proud to continue encouraging families, educators, and mentors to help the next generation pursue educational excellence.”

In the Senate, the resolution is also cosponsored by Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Angus King (I-Maine), and Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa).

“We appreciate the leadership of U.S. Senators Chris Coons and Tim Scott and the U.S. Senate in recognizing the importance of every student having the opportunity to fulfill their potential and graduate from high school ready for education and workplace success. It’s not enough to tell students that college is worth it – we need to help more students find a path to and through college,” said Janet Godwin, CEO of ACT. “Students from low-income families and those who are the first in their families to attend college are often faced with many obstacles to completing an application, from confusion about how to apply to financial concerns. ACT’s American College Application Campaign works each year to support all high school seniors, especially those who are systemically underserved, in applying to at least one college.”

Read the “November as National College Application Month” resolution here.

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